An academic coursepack is a collection of materials (usually photocopied) assembled by a course instructor and sold to students. Since a federal court ruling in 1991 (Basic Books Inc. v. Kinko's Graphics Corp. 21 U.S.P.Q.2.D (BNA) 1639), it has been law that the reproduction of copyrighted materials in academic coursepacks is not protected by the doctrine of fair use (see 17 USCS §107) and that written permission is required for all copyrighted material used.
The following requirements must be followed when assembling and selling academic coursepacks to students:
- Written copyright permission must be obtained for all materials used except material authored by the instructor assembling the coursepack.
- Copyright clearance must be renewed each semester the material is used unless permission to use it beyond a single semester has been expressly granted by the copyright holder.
- A copyright notice must be displayed on all materials used in the coursepack
- Section III of the Agreement on Guidelines for Classroom Copying in Not-For-Profit Educational Institutions with Respect to Books and Periodicals must be observed.
- The material must be of a copy quality that makes them clear and easy to read;
- All required and supplemental course materials must be available for sale to students through the North Hennepin Community College bookstore.
- No charge beyond the actual cost of producing the material (which includes the cost of physically duplicating the material plus all applicable copyright/usage fees) and the standard NHCC Bookstore shelving fee may be passed along to the student.