Photocopying

[Copyrightness]

I work as an admin in a secondary school. As you may imagine, it involves a lot of photocopying!

One particular person keeps asking me to copy entire books. As well as taking fecking ages to do, I don't think it is strictly legal.

He has just asked me to copy 11 x books which he has hired, so not even bought them.

I feel weird doing it, but may be overthinking as he gets my back up in other ways at work.

Mentioned it to my manager who supports me refusing to do it, but wonder if it is a dick move. But on the other hand, I am a v junior staff member and think...if you know it's illegal why don't you do your own dirty work?

Photocopying a whole book is a ridiculous ask. I'd decline.

Well I work in a University and we are definitely not allowed to do that. I found this:

• Books: the Copyright Act permits an individual to copy one chapter or up to 5% of a work. The Library Scanning Service for Teaching Staff offers copying of up to 10% under the terms of the Copyright Licencing Agency licence. This provides compliant scans of course items for student groups via secure online learning environments (for example, Moodle).

But just googling will tell you that its not allowed. If your Manager supports you refusing to do it, then I would refuse. Apart from the legalities, I am sure that you have more important things to be doing than standing at a photocopier for a whole day!

Thanks both. They aren't massive books, but it is still time consuming as they are not standard size pages and have to be scanned individually on the flatbed of the copier and messed about with to get them to fit.

I'm sure it's just a way to save money for his department, but it's always this same teacher. He's really inconsiderate with my time and always wants me to do the most fiddly jobs which could be done quicker another way, but he gets all shirty if I suggest it 🙄

Anyway, I've asked the legal person if she knows if we have a license to copy entire publications (we don't - i dont even think such a thing exists), but I just want a paper trail to throw back at annoying teacher.

I do a lot of photocopying so it isn't the standing in front of a printer bit I object to really, but it is just so cheeky of him imo to rent books and then commit my time to copying them all so he saves a few quid. Fucks sake

Sorry, I'm a right grump today!

I'd view it as doing him a favour by catching the copyright issue he had "overlooked".

True @swanling.

When I worked in a school we had posters explaining the legal position of photocopying books on the wall next to the photocopier.

We were reminded of the rules re: copyright law every year as part of the new year training.

I’m shocked he has the nerve to ask to be honest.

Thanks @RunningUpThatBuilding.

Glad I'm not being pernickety here. I will see about getting some posters and maybe include a message in the bulletin.

This guy has audacity in buckets, so makes sense it's usually him!