Copyright and Intellectual Property:

Just like print books and journals, any online content you redistribute is subject to copyright law. Therefore, it is not advisable that you download and post the full-text or PDF of another author’s article or book chapter, or your own work if you have assigned your copyright interest, directly to your online course content. To the extent that you choose to do so, it is your responsibility to determine if distribution of a print or digital text, or portion of a print or digital text, falls within the Fair Use Guidelines and/or to secure permission from the relevant author(s) or assignee(s) to use the text in question. Even if you do believe your use falls within Fair Use Guidelines or you have obtained permission to post, the unrestricted nature of such postings may create an unnecessary risk of a copyright violation.

As an alternative to downloading and posting copyrighted materials onto your course content, we strongly encourage you to work with UWM Libraries Reserve Services to make course readings available for students via E-Reserve. The Libraries have adopted an E-Reserve policy designed to help faculty and instructors electronically comply with Fair Use Guidelines. See the Copyright Guidelines for Reserve and Electronic Reserve.

Additional information on copyright law and determining Fair Use.

When is a Permanent URL not permanent?

Database companies license content from publishers. From time to time publisher agreements change. Journals can “disappear” from a publication list in one of our databases. It is advisable to check all links for current access in advance of reading deadlines. To ensure timely availability of readings, contact E-reserve for assistance. For more information, email Kathy Bowes or Becky Clinnin or call them at 414-229-3698.