MOODLE

The type of material made available on Moodle may include legally obtained copies (preferably owned by the Library or College) of copyrighted works, works in the public domain, and the original works of an instructor.

The creation and transmission of digital files of copyrighted works on Moodle is permissible when:

• Access is through Library or IT controlled equipment on a campus-restricted network.
• Access is restricted to the enrolled students of a particular class.
• The content restricted to works being taught in the class.
• The content is restricted to selections from legally obtained copies of works (preferably owned or licensed by the Library or College). 
• Files are removed, or archived for future use, following completion of the course.

When copying audiovisual content to be made available on Moodle, it is recommend copying only the portion required to accomplish a specific educational goal, which may sometimes include small or short works in their entirety.  Copied content may be made available online if access is restricted to the enrolled students of a specific course and copying or distribution for non-educational purposes is prohibited. 

When copying textual content or images to be made available on Moodle, "less is best.”  The greater the amount copied, the less likely that fair use exemptions will apply.  “Best practices” allow for the follow portions:

• Data sets:  Up to 10% or 2500 fields or cell entries.
• Graphics:  A single image per source.
• Photographs: No more than 15 photographs from or 10% of source, whichever is less.
• Poetry:  A single poem of not more than 250 words or an excerpt of not more than 250 words
• Prose:  Whichever of the following options represents the least amount of content:
  • A single chapter.
  • A single essay or story of no more than 2,500 words.
  • An excerpt of no more than 2,500 words.
  • 10% of a single work.
  • A single article in a journal issue.

If the work being copied is owned or licensed for use by the College or Library, copying a greater amount may be allowed.  The amount will be determined in consideration of the all four “fair use” factors, and how the copied material relates to a given educational goal.

NOTE:  Copyrighted material, in whole or in part, may not be retained without permission in the Library Reserve Collection or remain accessible online over consecutive semesters for the same course.

NOTE: If the quantity of content to be copied exceeds recommended amounts, or if use of content may otherwise be out of compliance with fair use exemptions, permission of the copyright holder is required and may incur a fee Copying without permission of the copyright holder is an infringement if the intent is:

• To create, replace or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works.
• Substitute for the purchase of works in original formats.

An alternative to copying Internet content to Moodle is to links from a course page on Moodle to that content. In addition, instructors are reminded to consider these options:

• In-class presentations.
• Library Reserves.
• Coursepacks.
• Requiring students to purchase the content in its original format.

If the quantity of content to be copied exceeds recommended amounts, or if use of content may otherwise be out of compliance with fair use exemptions, permission of the copyright holder is required and may incur a fee.

Always include appropriate attribution and copyright notice when using copyrighted works.

For information about what material is protected by copyright and "fair use" provisions of copyright law, please refer to the Selected Tools listing.  For additional assistance, please contact John Lamborn.