Be considerate of all people and property
Don't remove Course Reserve textbooks from the library
Study rooms are available on a first-come basis but can be reserved through Brittney Donal
Use the copy center for large print jobs rather than the library printer
The Copyright Act of 1976 and its amendments provide exemptions for using copyrighted materials in physical and digital classrooms, sometimes under Fair Use or additional legislation like the TEACH Act, depending on the circumstances. It is best practice to conduct due diligence, such as seeking the copyright holder’s permission rather than relying solely on Fair Use or TEACH Act provisions. Use the Copyright Clearance Center to explore licensing options. Search the Copyright Clearance Center here.
Fair Use, outlined in Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allows limited use of copyrighted materials without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, determining Fair Use requires evaluating four factors: the purpose and character of the use (nonprofit educational use is more likely to qualify); the nature of the copyrighted work (factual works are more likely to qualify); the amount and substantiality of the portion used (smaller portions are more likely to qualify); and the effect of the use on the market value of the work (minimal impact is more likely to qualify).
1. A single copy may be used of 1) a chapter from a book, 2) an article from a periodical or newspaper, 3) a short story, short essay, or short poem, 4) a chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture from a book, periodical or newspaper.
2. Multiple copies (one per student) if copy is brief (a small percentage of the total work. For specifics, consult your librarian), spontaneous, does not have an improper cumulative effect, displays copyright notice on the first page, and does not violate the following:
a. Copying shall not be used to create or replace collections or anthologies;
b. Copying from materials intended to be “consumed” in the course of study or teaching (workbooks, standardized tests with booklet, exercises, etc.);
c. Copying shall not substitute for purchase of books, publisher’s reprints or periodicals;
d. Copying shall only be directed by the teacher of the class;
e. Copying shall not be repeated in more than one semester with respect to the same item by the same teacher;
f. Copying shall not cost students beyond possible photocopying fees.
Under the Copyright Act of 1976 and its amendments, exceptions for using copyrighted materials in classrooms are outlined in Section 110 of the Copyright Code. These statutory exceptions, distinct from Fair Use, allow the lawful performance or display of works in face-to-face teaching at non-profit institutions, provided the work is used within the classroom and is limited to enrolled students. Any reproductions would fall under Fair Use guidelines.
Per the TEACH Act, a 2002 amendment to the Copyright Act of 1976, institutions must be accredited, non-profit, and have copyright policies in place. Materials must be lawfully acquired, limited to enrolled students via secure platforms, and accessible only for the course duration. Online materials must support required, mediated instructional activities, include proper attribution, and display a copyright notice. Permissible content includes performances of non-dramatic musical or literary works and limited portions of dramatic works (comparable in duration to what would be displayed or performed in a live classroom session). Textbooks, purchasable course materials, or content primarily designed for online education cannot be displayed. Analog works must be replaced with lawfully made digital versions.
For more information, consult your librarian.
Southwestern College recommends the following guidelines to ensure FERPA compliance and to protect student privacy when using videos created in the classroom:
Classroom recordings include any recordings made as part of course activities, such as synchronous online sessions using web conferencing tools like Zoom, in-person sessions captured with lecture software like Panopto, or any other audio or video recordings resulting from course activities.
If a recording contains personally identifiable information (PII) (e.g., student names, identifiable audio, communications, or images), it is considered an education record protected under FERPA, and its use is restricted.
Classroom recordings containing PII may only be shared with students enrolled in the same course during the same term, for instructional purposes only, regardless of whether they are in the same class section or break-out group.
The purpose of this Collection Development Policy is to guide the intentional, strategic curation of the library's resources to support the college's academic mission. The policy reflects a shift from building a traditional print collection to prioritizing digital content, ensuring equitable, flexible access for students, faculty, and staff.
The Library’s primary focus is the selection, acquisition, and management of digital resources that support academic programs, research, and lifelong learning at Southwestern College. The collection will emphasize:
Scholarly databases and e-books in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and health fields.
Streaming media and digital reference materials.
Tools that support information literacy, critical thinking, and research skills.
New popular fiction and nonfiction are not directly acquired by the college library; instead, users have access to a broad, contemporary public collection through a formal partnership agreement with Winfield Public Library.
Curriculum Support: Materials directly supporting current courses and programs receive the highest priority.
Equity of Access: Preference is given to materials that provide unlimited or multiple-user access to accommodate the needs of distance and on-campus learners.
Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability: Preference will be given to digital content with favorable licensing terms and longevity.
Materials are selected based on:
Relevance to curriculum and research needs
Authority and credibility of content creators or publishers
Accessibility (ADA compliance, ease of use)
Cost relative to anticipated use and institutional priorities
User demand and feedback
Reviews from reputable sources (e.g., Choice Reviews, Library Journal)
Although large investments in print materials have ceased, stewardship of the existing physical collection remains a priority. The Library engages in regular, mindful weeding to ensure the print collection remains relevant, accessible, and aligned with current academic needs.
Weeding guidelines include:
Removing items that are outdated, superseded, or no longer support current curricula.
Assessing condition: Damaged items beyond reasonable repair will be withdrawn.
Prioritizing space: Physical collections will be right-sized to allow flexible learning environments and space for collaborative work.
Retaining works of historical, local, or significant scholarly value.
Consulting with faculty when specialized or discipline-specific materials are considered for withdrawal.
Disposition of Withdrawn Materials:
Withdrawn items will be:
Offered first to relevant academic departments.
Donated to other libraries, nonprofit organizations, or community groups when possible.
Recycled sustainably if items are no longer usable or needed elsewhere.
This policy will be reviewed every three years — or sooner if necessary — to ensure it aligns with evolving institutional priorities, technological innovations, and user needs.
Q: Who can check out materials from Deets Library?
A: Current students, faculty, and staff can check out materials using their SCID. Community members may request a free library card to borrow items.
Q: How long can I keep items?
A: Most items are loaned for 14 days.
Q: When do I need to return everything?
A: All borrowed materials must be returned by the last day of classes each semester.
Q: Are there late fines if I return something late?
A: No! We do not charge overdue fines. However, if an item is lost or damaged, you may need to pay a replacement fee.
Q: What if I need something the library doesn’t have?
A: You can request materials through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) on the Deets Library website. It’s free and available to all patrons!
Q: Where can I get more help?
A: Stop by the Library Help Desk, call or email library@sckans.edu — we're happy to help!