The following are general guidelines for photocopying materials in support of your classroom lecture. These suggested guidelines are based on our interpretation of Circular 21. Please note that these "best practices" may not fit every situation. Moreover, the courts are not bound by these guidelines and the Copyright Act contains no such guidelines, therefore it's advisable that you still conduct a Fair Use Evaluation.
The limits:
Poem less than 250 words
Excerpt of 250 words from a poem greater than 250 words
Articles, stories, or essays less than 2,500 words
Excerpt from a longer work (10% of work or 1,000 words, whichever is less)
One chart, picture, diagram, graph, cartoon or picture per book or per periodical issue
Two pages (maximum) from an illustrated work less than 2,500 words (usually books for children)
In addition...
No more than one copy per student. Usage must be “at the instance of inspiration of a single teacher" and when the time frame doesn't allow enough time for asking permission
Only for one course
No more than nine instances per class per term (current news publications such as newspapers can be used more often)
Don't create anthologies
Don't do it every term
Copies may be made only from legally acquired originals
If time allows, always seek permission from the publisher
Can't be directed by "higher authority" (i.e. your boss, supervisor, etc.)
Copying can't be a substitute for buying (i.e., faculty who do not want to make their students purchase the book)
