Answered By: Monique Ritchie
Last Updated: 17 Jun, 2020     Views: 200

You should check the terms and conditions which apply to the paper or the source. Firstly, the PDF should have been lawfully acquired and have been publicly shared or published.  

If the PDF is from library collections, you may be able to do so under the terms of some subscription licence agreements for electronic resources. Linking to the PDF online is strongly recommendedThis is so that more representative view and download usage statistics can be recorded. These are often used to inform library collection development decisions.  

If the PDF is from a book, journal or periodical within the UK's Copyright Licensing Agency repertoire, it may be possible to distribute it under the terms of Brunel's copyright licence. CLA licensed readings are made available by the Library through your online reading list. Each module can use a whole book chapter, or up to 10% of a book or journal issue from materials in its repertoire per academic year. The Library will ensure that the copy complies with the licence requirements.

Any links to electronic resources listed on your reading list which are in Library collections or from authorised open access sources, are routinely added by the Library team when you send your reading list for processing each year. 

It may also be possible to do so, if the material is covered under other licences - e.g. Crown Copyright, Creative Commons, or a copyright waiver, or with permission of the rights owner. 

If no licence or permission is available, or the copyright statement prohibits further copying, it may be possible to use content under statutory provisions to copyright in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. For teaching staff and students only - Section 32 allows content to be made available for the sole purpose of illustration for instruction which includes examination purposes. The criteria must be met.

For the University in general, there is an additional provision in S.36 which applies to educational establishments allowing up to 5% of a work to be used across the institution where no licence exists. 

For PDFs from free-to-view websites, it may be acceptable for an individual to browse, but where systematic copying is likely, getting permission is advisable. 

For advice on reading lists processes, you can contact your Academic Liaison Librarian, or the reading lists team. 

For further information on copyright and digital readings including limits, visit the Library's web pages.