About Course Reserves at W&L Library

The University Library’s reserve collection consists DVDs and print materials. The collection in the University Library should complement and enhance classroom instruction. It is not intended to replace course texts.

According to the American Library Association Model Policy Concerning College and University Photocopying for Classroom, Research and Library Reserve, reserves function as an extension of the classroom by making course readings available to students. Reserves reflect an individual student’s right to photocopy, for personal scholastic use, under the doctrine of fair use. When materials are included as a matter of fair use, reserve systems should constitute an ad hoc or supplemental source of information for students, beyond a textbook or other materials. Items that are considered, by the University Library staff, to be in excess of fair use (Section 107 of the Copyright Act) may not be placed on reserve or processed by Access Services.

  • Reserve items are located behind the Information Desk at Leyburn and on the open reserves shelf on the 3rd floor Telford Science.
  • Items may be checked out for 2, 4, or 24 hours according to faculty specifications.
  • Reserves earn a fine of $1 per hour for each hour (or part thereof) overdue.
  • If possible the University Library will purchase ebooks and streaming films to replace the need for print books and DVDs in the reserve collection.

Planning for Faculty

  • Allow a minimum of 24-48 hours for new material to be prepared during the week.
  • Materials, to be placed on reserve, may be brought to the Information Desk in Leyburn Library or you may ask that library pull materials for you. If you would like the materials pulled, email us with your title list along with your course name, number, and any additional instructions you may have such as the loan period.
  • Only one reserve item may be checked out at a time, unless there is prior approval from the professor.
  • If two classes are using the same material, we will do our best to accommodate demand. Should conflicts arise, we may restrict items to in-building use only.
  • To give permission for a student to have an extended check-out, more than one item, etc. contact Elizabeth Anne Teaff, to make special arrangements.

Books & DVDs on Reserve

  • Please provide us with a list of books & DVDs, complete with call numbers, so we may make certain your class is using the version you have assigned.
    • We will look for streaming film and ebook options when possible.
    • Unless otherwise specified, DVDs will be placed on 4 hour reserve.
    • Request DVDs at least one week prior to their use on reserve to ensure availability.
    • Many of our DVDs are used by more than one course. You will be notified if another class is using a video you have on reserve so you can coordinate its use with your colleague and hopefully prevent scheduling conflicts. We will cross-reference as needed.
    • No DVDs or books borrowed on ILL will be placed on reserve. Legal personal copies of DVDs and books may be used.

Articles & Book Chapters

  • The library does not provide electronic reserves, however at the request of individual faculty members, the University Library will create PDF documents to use in course management software or with course packs.
  • Once the items are scanned, the faculty member will receive an email with the scanned image as a PDF attachment. Submission for printing and course pack creation is the responsibility of the faculty member. The University Library will only facilitate the PDF creation.
    • Items to be scanned, may be dropped off at the Leyburn Library Information Desk.
    • We strive for a 24-48 hour turnaround time during the work week. Once the items are scanned, the faculty member will receive an email with the scanned image as a PDF attachment.
    • The library will send the scanned material to the university’s copyright researcher in order to obtain permission for use. For more information view the university’s copyright policy
    • Contact Laura Hewett for more information about this service.