Skip to main content
Services | CSUSB

Services

Pfau Library FAQ

Find what you need in our searchable FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

All 

Can I copy a textbook and upload it to Canvas for my students to use?

87 views   |   Last updated on Nov 21, 2024

 

Copying and uploading textbook content to Canvas or any learning management system may raise copyright concerns.

Here's a breakdown of this to consider:

What You Can Do (Typically Permitted):

  1. Link to Licensed Materials:
    Check if we have access to the textbook through the library, then you can share a link to the material rather than uploading the content.
    This also lets us know at the library what is being used and gives the author credit for downloads.

  2. Use Small Excerpts Under Fair Use:
    You may upload small portions of the textbook (e.g., a chapter or less than 10%) if your use qualifies under the fair use doctrine. 

    Fair use depends on:

    • The purpose of use (e.g., educational and non-commercial use is more likely to qualify).
    • The nature of the work (factual works are more likely to qualify than creative ones).
    • The amount used (a smaller portion is better).
    • The effect on the market (if your use harms the market for the textbook, it's less likely to qualify).
    • You can use the Fair Use Evaluation tool here: Fair Use Evaluator from Michael Brewer & ALA Office for Information Technology. This is a handy online tool to help you assess the "fairness" of the use of intellectual property 

  3. Use Open Textbooks or Open Educational Resources (OER):
    Consider using textbooks with open licenses, such as Creative Commons, that explicitly allow redistribution. Reach out to the Scholarly Communications Librarian for help finding these materials specific to your course.

  4. Request Permission:
    You can contact the publisher to request permission to use more substantial portions of the textbook. You can also search Copyright Clearance Center to see if there is a cost for using the portion of the book. (Please note the library cannot pay this cost and will advise you to find other options). 

  5. Rely on Public Domain Texts:
    If the textbook is in the public domain, you can freely copy and share it.

What You Cannot Do (Typically Not Permitted):

  1. Upload Full Textbooks Without Permission:
    Sharing full copies of a textbook without proper licensing or permission likely violates copyright law, even if it's for educational purposes. This would not qualify as Fair Use. 

  2. Circumvent Access Restrictions:
    Scanning or copying sections from a textbook that's otherwise protected by digital rights management (DRM) may also violate copyright law.

Summary of Alternatives (mentioned above) :

  • Use library services to link or provide access to legal copies.
  • Use e-reserves or course packs that comply with copyright.
  • Explore Open Textbooks / OER or supplementary CC BY materials.

  • More Help
  • Chat with us!
  • Call us at 909-537-5091
  • Text us at 909-542-8990
  • E-mail us
  • Stay Connected
  • Follow us
  • Friend us
  • Share this FAQ