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Copyright: Reserve

The Library and Reserve

In relation to course materials in education, the library offers a service called Reserve, which allows faculty to place copyrighted material on hold or "reserve" for students of a specific class to read or view.  Reserves may be placed physically in the library or added to a password protected e-reserve course guide on the library website. 

Why should I choose Reserve? 

​Placing an item on Reserve in the library or through the library website places the purpose and use of the item firmly in the hands of each student.  Each student then makes the decision for their own personal, educational purposes to watch, read, or copy that item. 

How do I place an item on Reserve?

Physical materials may be placed on Reserve at your local South College library or resource center.  You may place your personal items and/or library items on Reserve for your students.  Placing library owned materials on Reserve ensures that they are not checked out by another person during the time in which you need them to be available for your students.  

To place materials on Reserve, please bring them to your local library or resource center service desk.  The staff will assist you in completing the Reserve form and then take possession of your materials. The Reserve form will ask for your course number, your name, the quarter in which your items need to be on Reserve, and how long you would like each item to circulate to your students. 

Circulation Recommendations

The most common circulation type for reserve materials is "In Library Use Only".  This allows your students to make use of the materials without removing them from the library for a long period of time.  Other circulation types include Overnight and 2-Day checkout.  How long each item circulates is at the discretion of the instructor.   

What may I place on Reserve?

The library will make every effort to accommodate reserve requests but may need to restrict inclusion of materials for copyright reasons. Reserve materials are meant to supplement course materials, not replace the need for them.

  • A copy of a book so your students can read a particular chapter(s)
  • A copy of a journal article for your students to read
  • A DVD for your students to watch

How long do items remain on Reserve?

Materials may be placed on Reserve for the quarter in which they will be used. The items should be removed from Reserve at the end of the quarter or after the deadline of the assignment for which they are needed has passed. 

E-Reserve Course Guides

Your program librarian can create a course guide on the library website for electronic reserve materials.  

What may I place on E-Reserve? 

The library will make every effort to accommodate e-reserve requests but may need to restrict inclusion of materials for copyright reasons. Reserve materials are meant to supplement course materials, not replace the need for them.

  • A book chapter for your students to read
  • A journal article for your students to read
  • A link to a library streaming video for your students to watch
  • A collection of links to library resources for your students to review

How long will my E-Reserve Course Guide be available? 

E-reserve course guides are live for the quarter in which your course is being taught.  The course guide will be closed at the end of the quarter or after the deadline of the assignment(s) for which the materials are needed has passed.  Please inform your program librarian if the course guide may be closed prior to the end of the quarter.   

List of Current Course Guides

Note: Course Guides used to provide Electronic Reserve content will require a password for access.  

Libraries & Resource Centers