Copyright permissions service

The copyright permissions service assists faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota in acquiring permissions to use copyrighted items in their scholarship, course websites, coursepacks, Libraries Course Reserve, and other University-related purposes.

We can help with permissions if the item is not in the public domain, available under a Creative Commons license, or already covered by an existing license. We can also obtain permissions if you don't think your use is covered by fair use or you just feel unsure whether your use is a fair use.

Contact copyright permissions staff at coursematerials@umn.edu

Coursepacks

Coursepacks are a cost-effective way to personalize your teaching materials. With a pack, you can choose what your students are focusing on throughout the semester. They can include copyrighted chapters from books, articles from various sources, streaming videos, and personal teaching notes.

Create an online library coursepack

Steps to creating library coursepack

  • Fill out the course material request form or send your course reading citations to coursematerials@umn.edu.
  • Course reserves staff will find items locally held or licensed, and we will process the necessary copyright permissions for the other items.
  • You will be notified when the pack is complete.
  • Your students can access their materials via the Library Course Materials page on the course's Canvas site.

Create a print coursepack

Print packs are produced at University Digital Print Centers and are sold directly to students through the University Bookstores.

If you have a printed course pack that does not require permissions, please contact your nearest University of Minnesota Digital Print Center directly.

Steps to creating a print coursepack

  • Fill out the Course Material Request Form or send your course reading citations to coursematerials@umn.edu.
  • Copyright Permissions Service staff will work to obtain the permissions to use your required materials.
  • Take your original copies, along with a Course Pack Order Form, to one of the University Digital Print Centers.
  • You will be notified when the pack is complete.
  • Your students will be able to purchase the pack in the University Bookstores when classes begin.

Coursepack submission deadlines

Fall Semester: July 12th

Spring Semester: Nov. 18th

May Session: April 12th

Summer Semester: May 2nd

We accept submissions at any time. These dates are a guideline to allow sufficient time for permission clearance and processing within the Digital Print Centers.

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Department sponsored permissions

Do you need to obtain permissions for a project your department is sponsoring or a coursepack that is not being sold through the University Bookstores?

Send an email to coursematerials@umn.edu with the following information:

  • Contact Person
  • Phone number and email address for contact
  • EFS account number
  • Complete citation information for each source
    • Book or Journal Title
    • Chapter or Article Title
    • Author
    • Date
    • Harvard Business Publishing # (if applicable)
    • Page Numbers
    • Volume/Edition
    • Publisher
    • ISBN (if known)
    • Link to Original

After your request has been received, we will verify the citations and begin the process of obtaining the permissions.

Please note that incomplete citation information can delay your requests. Without complete citations, there may be additional work required on our end before we are able to submit your requests to publishers. Because of this, please try to include all relevant information for your sources.

After the permissions have been acquired you will receive a PDF summary of the costs. If changes are required, please contact us as soon as possible.

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Permissions for publishing

Do you need to obtain permission to use an item, such as a photograph, graphic, or chart in your publishing or presentation?

Send an email to coursematerials@umn.edu with the following information:

  • Contact Person
  • Phone number and email address for contact
  • EFS account number
  • Complete citation information for each source
    • Book or Journal Title
    • Chapter or Article Title
    • Author
    • Date
    • Page Numbers
    • Volume/Edition
    • Publisher
    • ISBN (if known)
    • Link to Original

After your request has been received, we will verify the citation and begin the process of obtaining the permissions. Please note that incomplete citation information can delay your requests. Without complete citations, there may be additional work required on our end before we are able to submit your requests to publishers.

Because of this, please try to include all relevant information for your sources. After the permissions have been acquired you will receive a PDF summary of the costs. If changes are required, please contact us as soon as possible.

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