Photocopying: Conditions and Alternatives

Following changes to copyright law brought about by the implementation of Statutory Instrument SI 2498 (2003) The Copyright And Related Rights Regulations 2003 on 31 October 2003, all library users requesting photocopies from the Institution Library must first decide whether or not the copies are to be made for a commercial purpose.

Unfortunately there is no set definition for what is meant by commercial but the Patent Office has issued some guidlines for businesses at http://www.patent.gov.uk/copy/notices/2002/guidance.htm, which loosely define commercial as meaning directly or indirectly income-generating at the time the request is made.

Visitors to the Library can make self service photocopies and complete the non-commercial copyright declaration form or, for commercial copies, purchase a copyright fee paid sticker for £9 (including VAT). Photocopies are then charged at 10p/A4 sheet and 20p/A3 sheet for members. Non-members are charged 20p/A4 and 40p/A3.

For users requesting a non-commercial photocopy to be sent out by post or fax, there is a separate form to complete which also has a section on it for providing payment details.

We have a separate form for requests for copies from IStructE publications, including The Structural Engineer.

Users requesting a commercial photocopy to be sent out by post or fax will need to make their request using this form. A commercial copying fee of £9 (including VAT) will be charged in addition to the normal photocopying or faxing charge per page.

Please note that certain publications, notably British Standards and TRADA publications, are not authorised for commercial copying. A list of these Excluded Categories and Excluded Works can be viewed at http://www.cla.co.uk/support/excluded.html.

Whichever form you need to use, please make sure that you read the conditions of the declaration that you sign as this is important legislation and it is your responsibility to adhere to it.