Public Library Licence Frequently Asked Questions
The Access Copyright licence covers photocopying by library staff and library patrons where exceptions under the Copyright Act do not apply or the work is not in the public domain.
- An entire chapter which is no more than 20% of a book.
- An entire newspaper article or page.
- One short story, play, poem, essay or article from a book or periodical containing other published works.
- One entire entry from an encyclopedia, dictionary or reference book.
- One published photograph or illustration.
- An entire report of a legal case from a periodical issue or volume containing other reports.
What copying is permitted under the licence?
Under the licence, you can copy up to 10% of a published work in Access Copyright's repertoire, or the following, whichever is greater:
I have a rare, damaged book in my holdings that is no longer in print. Can I copy it in its entirety?
Exceptions in the Copyright Act permit libraries to make copies of rare or unpublished works for preservation or maintenance of its permanent collection. If these exceptions do not apply to the work involved or the purpose of the reproduction, your Access Copyright licence permits the copying of an entire damaged book in your holdings that is no longer in print. Please contact Access Copyright at licensingadmin@accesscopyright.ca to confirm the out of print status of the work.
Am I permitted to sell any copies to patrons?
No, your licence prohibits resale to library patrons unless your licence includes Schedule E (Terms and Conditions of Fee-for-Service Copying). You may, however, receive payment for copies as long as the payments do not exceed the direct costs associated with making and delivering the copies.
Who can copy under the licence?
Library patrons may make copies on a self-serve basis. The licence also covers copying done by library staff for internal and administrative use, as well as for a patron if the library does not offer self-serve copiers or if a patron has a physical disability. Copies may also be sent to patrons by mail, personal delivery, commercial courier or fax if a patron is unable to attend in person at the library. You may also send copies via mail, personal delivery, commercial courier or fax to a qualifying institution.
Are inter-library loans covered by the agreement?
Yes, provided that it is one "qualifying institution" lending to another "qualifying institution."
What is a qualifying institution?
A qualifying institution means a not-for-profit library, archive or museum or an educational institution as defined in Section 2 of the Copyright Act.
What if I want to use copyright protected material in a way that is not covered by my licence, such as sending copies electronically?
You can contact the copyright owner directly or contact Access Copyright by email at permissions@accesscopyright.ca. We may be able to help with our pay-per-use licensing services.
