Copyright and Libraries

Copyright and copyright law are extremely complex subjects and the following information provides library users with some basic information regarding current law and the copying of material within libraries. 

Library staff can provide further information about copyright legislation but cannot answer any specific legal queries.

What is copyright?

Copyright arose from the idea that anything we create should be protected from use by someone else, reflecting the fact that the creator has exclusive rights over the thing created. 

Copyright law protects these rights, including the copying or lending of material  and ensures that some access to copyright work is allowed.  Copyright protection is automatic - no registration of material is required.

Libraries have to balance access with upholding the law

What is covered by copyright?

Copyright protects original published work, sound recordings, films and broadcasts.  Original material published on the internet is also protected by copyright.  If you are unsure if the material you wish to copy is protected by copyright you should seek advice from the library staff.

Does copyright last for ever?

No. It is limited by various periods of time; the authors of the majority of library material have their work protected by copyright for 70 years from the end of the calendar year of their death.

Copyright and libraries

Libraries have an important role to play in caring for and allowing access to other people's copyright work.  We also need to ensure that the rights and privileges of our customers are safeguarded.

Copyright Law

Copyright material in the United Kingdom is currently protected by the 1988 Copyright Act and its subsequent amendments. It may be possible to get permission to copy or use copyright material by contacting the copyright owner. 

Copyright law has changed - what library users need to know

The European Union Copyright Directive was implemented in the UK with effect from 31 October 2003.  The most important change as far as library users are concerned, is that any copying for commercial purposes is no longer allowed under the 'fair dealing' or 'library privileges' exceptions which formerly applied.

Copying for commercial purposes

Any copying now carried out for a commercial purpose requires prior permission from the copyright owner or payment of a copyright fee.

The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) sticker scheme provides a simple way in which you can pay a copyright fee and lawfully copy an extract from a book, magazine or journal for commercial purposes.

How does the sticker scheme work?

CLA stickers are available from Information and Business Services in the Mitchell and the current cost is £9 for each copy you wish to make.  Contact the librarian in that department for more information:

Information and Business Services
The Mitchell
North Street
Glasgow
G3  7DN
Phone: 0141 287 2904
Fax: 0141 287 2912
E-mail: businessinfo@glasgow.gov.uk

How to make sure your copying is legal

• you don't need permission from the copyright holder if your copies are for private study, research or for a non-commercial purpose
• stay within the agreed safe copying limits, unless you have been given permission to copy more. These are:
  • one article from any one issue of a journal or periodical or
  • 5%/one chapter from a published work
• only make single copies, unless you are authorised under a copying licence to make multiple copies
• digital copies must not be placed on a network
• always acknowledge all your copies, unless impracticable

Any breach of copyright is considered a legal offence. To help our readers, posters are displayed beside our public photocopiers with guidelines for safe and legal copying.

Reproduction Fees

Customers wishing to reproduce library material that has been copied should be aware that Reproduction Fees may apply. More information about Reproduction Fees.

UK Intellectual Property Office provides useful information about copyright in the United Kingdom.