Many academic libraries offer print and electronic course reserve services that encourage learning by connecting students and faculty with less expensive and supplementary educational materials. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions regarding how U.S. copyright law affects course reserve services; as a result, many academic libraries restrict the scope of the services they provide or refrain from pursuing new options, such as media reserves, out of fear of violating the law or being sued for copyright infringement.

Copyright and Course Reserves addresses this problem, providing authoritative advice for making print, electronic, and media course reserves available in compliance with U.S. copyright law. It explains options for implementing and sustaining media reserve services through which students and faculty can access online music, sound recordings, and film. Additionally, short examples from a wide range of libraries explore real-world scenarios and current issues related to course reserve services to help readers better understand and apply the information found in the book.