Copyright advice

How much can I copy or print within copyright legislation?

These pages give staff and students some information about copying in support of clinical care, education and research. It is the responsibility of all staff and students to ensure that they comply with the law.

Printed books and journals

  • You may make paper copies and scanned copies from most printed journals and books under the terms of the NHS CLA Licence.
  • Copies must be for NHS staff and for NHS purposes.
  • You may copy two articles from a journal issue (more if it is a thematic issue),  one chapter from a book or 5% of above, whichever is greater.
  • Within these extent limits, you can make multiple copies.
  • Single paper copies relating to a patient’s condition or treatment may be made for patients and carers.
  • Scanned copies may be sent via NHS e-mail but not placed on websites. Scanned copies can be used in PowerPoint presentations.
  • You should always acknowledge the source of your copies.
  • No copies may be made from newspapers.

Electronic works

  • You may only download and print material for the purposes of private study, non – commercial research or non-commercial purposes.
  • Always check copyright notices on websites.
  • Ask permission if you want to make more than one copy.
  • E-journals are covered by publisher licences: generally you may only print out an article once.
  • You may not copy images or any other electronic media without permission.

Higher Education Copyright (University of Plymouth login required)

Please see the information on Higher Education Copyright on the student portal for University of Exeter, University of Plymouth and Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry students.

If you have any questions about copyright then please contact the library services.

University of Exeter Copyright Guidance

Visit the University of Exeter Copyright guidance webpage for more information.

Please note that this information does not constitute formal legal advice.

Page last reviewed: 15 December 2022

Text Size

Change font

Contrast