Q. Can instructors use library ebooks and articles in eLearning and 3rd-party annotation tools?

In eLearning, instructors can usually use library-licensed content such as ebooks and articles/resources in library databases to share with students. Best practice from a copyright perspective would be to link to these resources using permalinks rather than uploading a copy such as pdf. 

For Rod Library's print material, request electronic course reserve for the portion you would like to provide for students (copyright restrictions apply); then you can link directly to the reserve copy from eLearning. Alternatively, print materials, including instructor personal copies if necessary, can be requested via the same form for physical course reserve (there are no copyright restrictions).

What about Perusall, Hypothes.is, and similar annotation/reader engagement tools?

Most license agreements for library online resources do not allow use in these types of tools, such as for a whole class. Consider using Open Educational Resources (OER) instead because these do not have the same licensing restrictions.

For more information about copyright policies, see the Rod Library Copyright Guide and Copyright at UNI page. For more about technology policies and technology integrations into eLearning, see Educational Technology & Media Services.

Need help finding Open Educational Resources or using library resources for teaching, learning, and research? Contact your liaison librarian