Implementation of electronic reserves in academic libraries represents one of the most important advances in libraries for patrons in many years. Some academic libraries offer faculty peace of mind by assuming responsibility for copyright clearance for electronic reserve services. Libraries have the specialized equipment to scan and edit files to make them readable and easily downloaded by students. Libraries also have sufficient electronic storage to hold scanned material for future semesters. This paper examines how electronic reserves are managed in a large academic library system. The short history behind electronic reserves at Pennsylvania State University Libraries and the procedures associated with creating and maintaining the reserve system, will be considered, as well as offering a statistical assessment of how electronic reserves have affected the other services of the University Libraries. Finally, issues surrounding electronic reserves, fair use, copyright and Pennsylvania State University Libraries' procedures will be explored.
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