Memorial University Libraries

When requesting copying services from the University's Print and Mail Services (or ITS on the Grenfell Campus) you need to let them know the copyright status of the work being copied, e.g. course notes, exams/tests, syllabus, posters, etc. By filling out the Copyright box on the Printing Requisition Form you will satisfy that requirement.

Your work may be a combination of two or more of these options. For example, if you mix copyright material with your own work, choose option one and as many of the other options that apply.

If you cannot sign the Copyright box in person, send an email indicating which of the below statuses apply in lieu of signature to the staff making the copies.

Below, you will find more information about each option:

1. You are the owner of the copyright in the material.

• You created the work (course notes, handouts, exams/tests, syllabus, etc.) and did not assign or exclusively licence your copyright to anyone else.
• If this work was published, check your publisher’s contract to confirm that you still have the right to make copies for this purpose. The library can assist you with determining permissions for articles published in journals.
• If copyright in the work is owned by Memorial University and you are a university employee, choose this option when you are copying on behalf of the university.

2. The materials you seek to copy qualify as a fair dealing pursuant to Memorial’s Fair Dealing Requirements;

• Become familiar with the Fair Dealing Requirements before checking this option.
• If you need anything more than the requirements will allow, contact the library for assistance with obtaining permission or consider other options.
• Source should be clearly identified on the material.

3. The materials you seek to copy qualify for the exemptions for educational institutions found in the Copyright Act. 

• Become familiar with the educational exemption before checking this option.
• If you need anything more than the requirements will allow, for assistance with obtaining permission or consider other options.
• Source should be clearly identified on the material.

4. The material is in the public domain, i.e. copyright term has expired;

• In Canada, copyright generally expires 50 years after death of the author.
• Copyright may subsist in a photograph of an artwork, even if the artwork itself is in the public domain.
• Copyright may subsist in a translation or a modern edition of a work that is in the public domain, if the modern edition contains additional material.
• Public availability is not the same thing as public domain. Just because it is on the internet doesn’t mean there is no copyright.
• Contact the library for assistance in determining whether a work is public domain.
• Source should still be clearly identified on the material.

5. Copyright permissions are attached;

• Please contact the library for assistance. For course-related materials, the university is using the library's Course Reserves system for all copyright clearances. For other types of printing requests, the library may be able to assist you with obtaining copyright permissions or provide direction on how to do so.
• Attach a copy of the letter, email, licence, or contract from the publisher/copyright owner.
• If you are copying from any source which has a notice giving permission for your use, attach a copy of that notice if it isn’t already on the item you are copying.
• Test banks which accompany the adopted course textbook are created for the use of instructors in tests. Make a note on the printing requisition indicating this type of source so we know the use is permissible.
• Source should be clearly identified on the material.