The use of Library materials (such as books, journals, dissertations, etc) is subject to the Law 2121/1993 (on Copyright, Related Rights and Cultural Matters). According to this law, Library materials (such as books, journals, dissertations, etc) are available for personal study.

Storage, exploitation or reproduction of printed copies for commercial use is not allowed in order to protect the interests of right holders.

In particular, photocopy reproduction of books, journals, printed items or other materials is not allowed. Only under certain and special circumstances, photocopy reproduction is allowed for the user’s strictly private use (for example, excerpts of books or non-circulating materials such as journal articles).

In this case:
a) the user alone is responsible for the photocopy reproduction. The Library staff does not assist users in any photocopy reproduction of Library materials.
b) the photocopy reproduction by the user is for personal use only, or for a narrow audience (such as close family and friends).

In any case, users must respect the permitted copying limits to ensure that such reproduction does not conflict with a normal use of the work and does not unreasonably overrun the author’s legitimate interests.

More specifically, only the reproduction of a small portion of copyrighted work, such as a small excerpt of a few pages of a book or a journal, is allowed. The reproduction of an entire book or an entire journal issue or/and in multiple copies without the author’s or the publisher’s permission is not allowed according to Law no. 2121/1993, as it violates the creator’s/holder’s rights, even if the act is performed by the user alone or for personal use only.

Users are fully responsible for any legal consequences arising from the violation of these restrictions. In such a case, the user must make full compensation to the natural or legal person who suffered property or ethical damage from illegal actions according to Law no. 2121/1993. A felony may be punishable with one year imprisonment and a financial fine from 2.900€ to 15.000€, while heavier penalties may be imposed depending on the damage and the circumstances indicated of illegal action.