To have your course reserve items available by the first day of the term, please submit requests at least two weeks (four week minimum for electronic reserves) prior to the start of classes. During the term, please allow at least 48 hours processing time of items (two week minimum for electronic reserves) before expected use by students.
Please fill out the form(s) completely. No more than 60 items (total) can be placed on reserve for one course.
Reserve lists won’t appear in PITTCat until the first day of the term.
For more information on the University's guidelines concerning photocopy reserve and copyright compliance, see pp. 1-4 of the University of Pittsburgh Policy #10-04-01.
Use the online Course Reserves Request Form or print and bring (or mail) to Owen Library (ATTN: Course Reserves). Use one form per course, please.
If you bring us the items along with your completed form, we will be able to process your reserve list more efficiently and in less time.
Items that are not currently in our collection can be ordered (with some restrictions); but it may take 4-6 weeks.
Most reserves are a two-hour loan, but we can also put items on 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day reserve. Be sure to let us know if you need the longer loan.
Audiovisual materials in the Owen Library collection may be placed on Course Reserve. The loan period is in-library use only. Instructors wishing to guarantee the availability of audiovisual materials for classroom use may also utilize this service.
We will place personal copies on Reserve, but cannot be responsible for loss or damage. Personal copies will be returned at the end of the term unless other arrangements are made.
Photocopies
You must provide photocopies of the requested items and a completed Course Reserves Request Form to Owen Library (ATTN: Course Reserves). Use one form per course.
No more than one continuous excerpt of 10% or less of any given book may be placed on photocopy reserve.
You should provide only as many copies as are absolutely required to meet the demands of the class. Traditionally, this has been defined as one copy for every 20 students.
There is a limit of three photocopies per periodical volume per course, per term.
We will return all photocopies to the instructor at the end of each term to ensure compliance with copyright restrictions.
Please refer to our Copyright Guide and be sure that your request adheres to these basic guidelines:
Items can appear on reserve in only one format (book, photocopy, or e-reserve).
Only one continuous excerpt of 10% or less of each source text can be placed on any one reserve list.
Course Packs are NOT eligible for scanning.
The submission process is first come, first served. Please submit materials as soon as possible and allow a minimum of two weeks for processing.
Reserves staff will scan compliant materials submitted on standard 8.5” x 11” paper.
If you have PDFs of the requested items, they can be accepted via email to uls-johnstownreserves@pitt.edu. Files can also be accepted via USB drive at the Owen Library Circulation Desk.
If the item is in a database or in e-book format, please provide a citation and we will link directly to the item.
Please be sure to provide the full citation for each requested item.
The 60 item limit applies to electronic items, as well as print reserves.
Audio Reserves
Audio materials can be placed on reserve via Box.
Allow 4-6 weeks for online access to audio materials via Box.
Please see the ULS’ Audio Reserves Policy for details on what you can place on audio reserve.
Reserves staff will get items owned by the library.
Personal copies submitted must be original and owned by you. These can be dropped off at the Owen Library Circulation Desk to be forwarded to Hillman Library. Hillman’s staff will digitize the items. We will return the items when the list is completed.
When the reserves are ready, you will be notified and will be provided with instructions for accessing audio recordings through Box.
