Copyright Clearance Services

Location: Room 211 - Divinity Library
Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm, M-F
Phone: 615-936-4627 -- Fax: 615-343-7276
Email: copyright@vanderbilt.edu

Copyright Clearance Services (CCS) manages obtaining permissions, paying royalties, and keeping records for class-related uses. CCS coordinates with Campus Copy/Vanderbilt Printing Services so that ClassPaks (course packs) can be produced, and with the Vanderbilt libraries so that electronic reserves or online course readings can be posted. In addition, CCS can clear items for faculty seminars, handouts, and other special uses. Please visit the Vanderbilt Copyright page for more resources and policy information

• Permissions are obtained only for the semester for which clearance is requested - subsequent use of the same material requires new permission.
• Clearance requests should be submitted 5 weeks in advance to allow time for rights holders to respond.

Printed Course Packs (ClassPaks)

To order ClassPaks to be printed/bound by VU Printing Services and sold to students through the Bookstore, instructors should:

• Download and complete the ClassPak order form. (Note tabs at bottom for course information and bibliography/citations. You can save the form for your records, and edit and reuse it for future classes.)
• Submit the completed form as an email attachment to copyright@vanderbilt.edu.
• Deliver the materials for reproduction, along with a printout of the completed ClassPak order form, to Campus Copy (Rand Hall) - or call Campus Copy (936-4646) for pickup.

ClassPaks cannot be printed until permissions for all the included items are obtained. Orders may incur cancellation fees if cancelled once processed.

Online Course Readings (Electronic Reserves, Brightspace)

When instructors allow library staff to assist with posting readings for a course in Brightspace, CCS works with the Library to ensure clearance for copyrighted works that cannot be linked from VU licensed resources. Resulting royalties and fees are charged to the individual school or college. We are happy to assist instructors with placing items on reserve.

Faculty who prefer to post copyrighted course readings themselves must still obtain clearance (copyright owner's permission) for any items that are not linked from VU licensed resources. Such readings must be protected with access limited to students and instructors in the course. Please download and complete the e-reserve request form and return it as an email attachment to copyright@vanderbilt.edu. 

Other Uses of Copyrighted Materials

Whenever copyrighted materials are distributed, posted online, or performed, permission of the copyright owner is required. Please contact us at copyright@vanderbilt.edu or 615-936-4627 if Copyright Clearance Services may assist you.

Interesting and Useful Links

Here are a few of the many resources available online for learning about copyright.

• Copyright Clearance Center. Vanderbilt obtains many permissions through this not-for-profit, originally mandated by an act of the U.S. Congress.
• University of Texas. Offers a crash course in copyright.
• United States Copyright Office. The ultimate source for U.S. copyright law.
• Copyright & Fair Use. Sponsored by Stanford University Libraries and other organizations.
• Copyright Information Center. Cornell University.