The Commonwealth University Libraries can place either library or personal copies of books, journal articles, and other items on course reserve. Photocopies of items or items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan are NOT allowed to be put on reserve. Portions of a book or audiovisual item may be used if the portion meets the fair use guidelines. As a rough estimate, up to 15% of a work may qualify for fair use.

Depending on the time of submission and/or the number of items involved, PLEASE ALLOW 24 HOURS FOR MATERIAL TO BE PLACED ON OR REMOVED FROM RESERVE.  It generally takes longer to process items submitted for Reserve at the beginning of a semester than it takes to process those submitted during mid-term.  Before or at the beginning of the semester please submit materials at least five days before assigning their use to students.

Items submitted for reserve must be accompanied by a completed Reserve Request Form. Although the form is available online it must be submitted to the library's Reserves Coordinator in person to ensure proper processing. The notice of copyright compliance appearing at the bottom of the form must be signed before materials can be processed. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to secure necessary copyright clearances.

At the end of each academic year and/or summer term all items will be removed from the Reserve Collection and returned to the stacks and/or instructor. If instructors wish to have photocopied journal articles remain on reserve they must secure necessary copyright clearance. The library is not responsible for any fee that might be incurred when obtaining permission from the copyright holder.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that makes available books, journal articles, and some media items that the library currently does not have. Students, faculty, and staff of Commonwealth University have access to library resources across the United States through the use of a library network and reciprocal borrowing agreements.

Interlibrary lending of physical objects and of paper or electronic copies is governed by U.S. copyright law (Section 108(d) and the first sale exemption).  The Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) guidelines provide guidance in the interpretation of the law. Additionally, use of some materials is subject to license agreements between libraries and publishers.

In requesting and in filling interlibrary loans, the Commonwealth Libraries will follow applicable laws, including fair use. Copyright royalties are paid when appropriate.

Commonwealth Libraries reserve the right to charge borrowers for interlibrary loan requests that would result in a high cost for copyright royalties or lending fees.