Question: Use of Copyrighted Materials for ZTC Courses

[mdrehobl]

Good Afternoon, I understand that professors can use copyrighted materials from their college library to support their Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses. My question is: how long can these copyrighted materials be used? I understand that each edition of an Open Educational Resource (OER) can be used in perpetuity. However, this does not apply to digital library materials. Is that correct?

I am aware that two of the four main factors of Fair Use include: 1. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole. 2. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. Thank you for any advice you can provide.

All the best,

Margaret Drehobl, Librarian

Southwestern College

[VC ZTC]

Hi Margaret, 

These are great questions, and use permissions of Library electronic & print resources will vary by library, the resource subscription or perpetual license purchase, as well as vendor platform arrangements.

This question has been discussed at the CCCCO Libraries & ZTC office hour and several attendees discussed the use of perpetually licensed electronic resources as one way to ensure a one-time purchase that can be used in perpetuity. This Libraries and ZTC: Perpetual eBook Purchases to support ZTC sheet demonstrates some of the perpetually licensed content libraries have subscribed to previously. Subscriptions, would need to be renewed according to the vendor cycle (and budget availability), so subscription-resources would be shorter-length and require additional funding to support ongoing access.

All that said, ProQuest is phasing out their perptually licensed resources, so EBSCO and perhaps one or two other smaller vendors are the only games in town providing prepetual licenses for eResources. Print materials will remain in the library collection until they are withdrawn. 

To be in compliance with Transfer articulation requirements, materials must be within 7-years of course submission date (See transfer policies for UC-TCA and Cal-GETC):

I hope this helps!

Best regards,

Ame

Ame Maloney, MLIS

(she/ella/她)

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Grant Coordinator – Professional Expert

VC...@vcccd.edu | ZTC@VC

Let's Connect! Fall 2025 ZTC/OER Info Hours. Drop-in at this Zoom link during these times:

• Thursdays, 10:30-11:30a
• Fridays, 8-9a
• Monday – Friday, by Arrangement

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