Course Works

How to Submit Course Packs in Course Works

Course Works, the University of Minnesota’s (UMN) inclusive course materials program, includes the adoptions of Course Packs by instructors. The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Course Works Team and The Print Shop have put together a guide for instructors on how to adopt and submit Course Packs to the program and for printing. 

Step 1: Submit your Course Pack Adoption to Course Works

Let Course Works know you plan to use a Course Pack next term by filling out the Course Works Form

Or email the UMD Stores Course Materials team directly at [email protected]

Step 2: Check Copyright Compliance

Under University of Minnesota policy, instructors are responsible for checking that course materials comply with copyright law. This includes making sure that the selection and amount of copyrighted work used in course materials aligns with Fair Use (if applicable) to avoid copyright infringement. Since Fair Use relies on four interpretive factors to determine acceptable usage, instructors are encouraged to reference the Copyright and Fair Use Libguide and/or to make an appointment with the Publishing & Authorship Librarian to aid in their determination.

Materials must be one of the following:

• In the public domain
• Used with permission from the copyright holder
• Used under the provisions of a contract or license agreement (which may override copyright law), or used under the provisions of Fair Use (U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. Section 107), determined through a case-by-case, four-factor analysis.
• Fair Use: must comply with the 4 factors

Note:

Course Packs offered through Course Works are sold to students and are best suited for instructor-created materials (e.g., lecture notes, slides, supplementary readings, study guides, lab manuals).

The UMD Print Shop checks files for formatting only. Instructors are fully responsible for copyright compliance. 

Key Copyright & Use Rules in Course Works Course Packs

• Creating Course Packs: Instructors must ensure all materials support teaching, scholarship, or research and include only what is needed for the specific educational purpose.
• Copyrighted material should be significantly transformed by the instructor and not used verbatim, including journal articles and in-print book chapters. Contact your Subject Librarian for assistance.
  • If the instructor wants to use the material as is, the instructor must arrange resale permissions with the copyright holder. 

Alternative Course Pack Options

If creating a print Course Pack feels overwhelming, consider these alternatives:

• Digital Course Packs via KAML: The Kathryn A. Martin Library Course Reserves team can build a digital Course Pack and include it in Course Works. Students can access it for free and print individually. Contact the KAML Course Reserves Specialist for assistance. 
• Publisher Custom Packs: Publishers like McGraw-Hill (Harvard Business Review), Sage, Cognella, or LadCustom can assemble custom course packs with pre-cleared copyright. Contact your publisher rep or the UMD Stores Course Materials Team to get started. 
  • Note: If the publisher is providing print copies, submit the details of your course pack to Course Works early to allow for printing and delivery time.
• Department-Funded Course Packs: Under Fair Use, instructors can print materials using department funds and distribute them freely to students outside the Course Works program.

Step 3: Ensure Document Accessibility (ADA Section 508)

All Course Packs must meet ADA Section 508 accessibility guidelines by April 2027. Using accessible design now ensures your materials are ready ahead of time.

• Key Guidelines: Review Section508.gov Fonts & Typography Guidelines for best practices on typography, contrast, and structure.
• Resources
  • Refer to the Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) Document/PDF Guidelines for detailed walkthroughs.
  • Sign up for the ODA’s Accessibility Badging Program
• Tools:
  • Google Drive: Add the Grackle Docs Accessibility Checker extension to review Docs and Slides.
  • Microsoft Office: Utilize the built-in Microsoft Accessibility Checker.
  • PDF Markup & Review: Use TextHelp’s OrbitNote to evaluate PDF accessibility.

Step 4: Create and Export Your Print-Ready PDF

A print-ready PDF is a file built with specific settings—proper resolution, bleed, embedded fonts, and correct color mode—so your printer can reproduce it exactly as you see it on screen. A regular PDF may lack that information, resulting in blurry images, shifted colors, or text that reflows into the wrong position.

Tips for Creating Print-Ready PDF's

• Combine Files: Instead of sending The Print Shop multiple files, combine all files into a single PDF. This allows you to layout your Course Pack the way you want and expedites the printing process. 
• Cover: Include a cover with your Course Info as the first page.
  • The Print Shop has a Template you can use
• Scans: Scans of book chapters, digital articles, etc. should be clean, high-resolution, and use legible fonts, with no gray background.
  • For help creating high-quality scans, please contact the KAML Reserves Specialist.
  • Use a digital source file instead of a scan when possible for the cleanest, most accessible, high-resolution result.
• Safe Margins: All text and critical content are at least 0.125" inside the trim line.
• Page Size: PDF dimensions match the finished print size (8.5x11)
• Images: If your Course Pack includes images, make sure you’re using good sources. Images from original camera files, stock photos, or files shared via email/Drive/AirDrop are optimal. Do not copy and paste images from websites, text apps, or social media.
• Color: If you plan to print your Course Pack in color, CMYK is the ideal color mode for printing. 
• Exported as "Print" quality: Save as a “PDF,” "PDF Print," "High Quality Print," or "PDF/X-1a" to embed fonts and keep images sharp. Do not use "Smallest File Size" or "Web" PDF presets; they lower quality.
• Page Layout: When printed, even-numbered pages are printed on the left, odd-numbered on the right. You may need to add blank pages between chapters to align formatting.
• Final Review: Review your finalized Course Pack at 100% zoom — Scroll through every page. What you see at 100% is what the printer sees. If you have written any original content, spell-check.

Resources:

• UMN Adobe Acrobat Access
• Adobe Acrobat Pro Tutorials
• Adobe Acrobat Merge PDFs Tool 
• Non-Acrobat Merging Options
• The Print Shop FAQ/Terminology
• ColorCopiesUSA Guide
  • Thorough tutorial including different software how-tos. Not all information may be relevant.

Cover Page Template

1. Access the Templated Course Pack Cover on Canva.
2. In Canva, click View Template > Open in Editor.
3. Fill in COURSE, TITLE, INSTRUCTOR, and SEMESTER/YEAR with your class information.
4. In Canva, navigate to Share > Download > Set File Type to PDF Print > Download.
5. Add it to your PDF and organize it as the first page.

Need Assistance? 

If you need help compiling or formatting your final document before submission, the Print Shop staff can assist. Submit before the deadline, as extra printing time and fees may apply. For more details,  Email The Print Shop

Production Timelines & Factors

Standard production takes 2–3 weeks after the Print Shop receives your print-ready file. Times vary based on job complexity.

Incomplete files, formatting issues, or late changes may delay production.

Pricing Estimates & Bookstore Margin

Average Course Pack prices range from $5 to $20, depending on size, formatting, and binding.

If you have any questions regarding the submission process or print options, please reach out to

The Print Shop

or

 UMD Stores Course Materials Team