Skip to Main Content

Use Copyrighted Materials in the Classroom: Use E-Resources

Use this guide for information and guidance on copyright issues.

E-Resource Policy and Conditions of Use

Electronic resources made available by Montgomery College Library for students, faculty, staff, and other authorized users are for activities that support the college's mission.  Contractual license agreements and U.S. Copyright Law govern the access, use, and reproduction of these resources. 

Each user is responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of these licenses.  Failure to do so can result in the loss of access to a resource, either for the individual or the entire Montgomery College community.

Specific terms and conditions for each electronic resource are generally available from a link on the publisher's site. If you have any questions about your intended use of the resource, please consult these terms or ask library staff for assistance.

Usually Permitted & Non-Permitted Uses

  • Making limited print or electronic copies (such as single articles).
  • Using for personal, instructional, or research needs.
  • Electronically transmitting online content to other MC students, faculty, or staff.
  • Posting links to specific content in Blackboard, MC webpages, or syllabi.
  • Quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing with proper citation.
  • Commercial use. Electronic resources licensed to MC are restricted to academic and educational usage.  Separate licenses, payments, and permissions are required for commercial use.
  • Downloading an excessive portion of a resource (e.g. an entire journal issue).
  • Electronically transmitting online content to non-MC affiliates.
  • Posting articles to Blackboard or a public website. Post a link instead.
  • Use of robots or spiders or other programs for automatic or systematic downloading of content.
  • Creating a derivative database from the electronic resource and making that available to others.
  • Sharing MC or electronic resource IDs and Passwords.