Obtaining Copyright Permission

Via the Publisher

  1. Plan ahead. This is not a quick process. It may take a number of months.
  2. Obtain the name and address of the publisher.
  3. Send the permissions department of the publisher the following information:
    1. Who you are. Name, position, institution, address, phone number, and e-mail.
    2. The item you wish to copy from. Provide title, author/editor, copyright/publication date, and edition. If possible include a photocopy of the title page and copyright page.
    3. The amount you wish to copy. Give chapter(s), page number(s), and exact amount. If possible, include a photocopy of the material you wish to copy.
    4. The number of copies you wish to make.
    5. The type of copies you will make (e.g., ditto, photocopier, offset, typeset, webpage).
    6. The use you will make of the copies. In what class(es) will you distribute the materials? Will the materials be distributed alone or as part of a package of materials?
    7. Whether or not the material is to be sold. If it's to be sold, will more than the cost of copying be recouped?
  4. Wait until you receive an answer before moving ahead. If you do not receive an answer, never assume that the answer is affirmative. Contact the publisher again.

 

Via the Copyright Clearance Center

For many items, the Copyright Clearance Center has the authority to give permission to use materials. However, this permission is given in exchange for a fee, which varies in amount. The amount of the royalty fee is set by the holder of the copyright. The Copyright Clearance Center adds a processing fee of $3.00 per granted request.