Syllabus Service: What is it?

And how can it help save you time and your students money?

Submitted by Scholarly Communications & Copyright Office, U of T Libraries

There have been many changes in Canadian copyright law lately, which has influenced how faculty and students operate in the physical and online classroom. In the U of T Libraries’ Scholarly Communications and Copyright Office, we understand that there is still uncertainty about these changes. To address these changes, our office has developed services to help faculty and instructors navigate this new landscape and remain compliant with Canadian copyright law. One example is the Syllabus Service, (previously known as Course Reserves services) developed in collaboration with units across the University of Toronto Libraries.

What is the Syllabus Service?

The Syllabus Service ensures that course materials distributed electronically to students comply with Canadian copyright law. Library staff will:

  1. Review your course reading list and provide materials that fall under the “fair dealing” provisions.
  2. Purchase copyright clearance, when necessary and at no cost to you, through U of T Libraries’ Scholarly Communications and Copyright Office.
  3. Place print items on reserve, when required.
  4. Scan materials for interested faculty so assigned readings can be made available online to enrolled students.

Submit your syllabus by August 7, 2015 to ensure your course material is ready for September. After this date, this service is still available on a first come first serve basis.

Since the launch of the Syllabus Service, staff in the Scholarly Communications and Copyright Office have become very aware of the rising cost of course material for students. Lowering student costs, when possible, is something we are committed to helping with. When your course outline is reviewed, staff look for the most efficient and affordable way to deliver course materials to your students. If you are interested in how we can help your students, please feel free to ask!

Visit the Course Reserves website for more information and submission instructions.

If you have questions or require additional information about this service, please contact the Library’s Scholarly Communications and Copyright Office at copyright@library.utoronto.ca