Ordering Class Materials - University of Maryland

Textbooks and Class Materials

  1. Textbook Adoption & Ordering

    2. Follow the link above for general information, best practices and policy requirements regarding adopting and ordering textbooks.

  2. Self-Authored Materials

    All orders of self-authored instructional materials that entail financial gain for the instructor must be approved by the chair of the department offering the course. For more information, refer to the University's policy on the use of self-authored course materials.

  3. Sale of Course Materials in the Classroom

    Sale of such materials is strongly discouraged unless the instructor is the sole source of the material or can provide the material at the lowest price. Even in that case, consider alternative modes of distribution such as sale through the department's business office or placing the material on reserve at the campus library.

  4. Reproduction of Copyrighted Material

    The photocopying of copyrighted material is subject to strict legal regulation, and failure to adhere to these laws may be punishable both civilly and criminally. The University neither condones nor encourages any actions that violate copyright law, whether or not University facilities are used. Generally, the photocopying of print materials without the consent of the copyright owner is an infringement of the owner's rights. However, representatives of education and of the publishing industry have formulated an agreement whereby certain types of copying are deemed "fair use" and do not require permission. The Guidelines for Classroom Copying defines "fair use." For more information, contact the President's Legal Office at 405-4945.

    5. If permission to reproduce copyrighted material is required, it may be obtained by writing to the owner of the copyright, to the publisher, or by contacting the Copyright Clearance Center (278 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970). Alternatively, many commercial copying services (such as Kinko's)or the University Copy Services, 405-5500) will submit requests to the Copyright Clearance Center for you. Please make your request sufficiently in advance to allow for the time needed to obtain permission. Remember that there may be a fee for the permission.

  5. Reserve Lists

    6. To learn how to create a reserve list go to www.lib.umd.edu/PUBSERV/RESERVE.  Note that  reserved materials should be submitted at least two weeks prior to when students will need them. 

* Back to Teaching Policies & Guidelines main page.