Abstract: In order to study the phenomenon of obtaining a large number of original documents through regional libraries’ collaborative digital reference services, the paper takes the “Joint Online Consultation of Hunan Province” as anexample. It analyzes the possible motives for readers to obtain a large number of original documents in short time through reference service. It points out the fact that it might lead to the infringement of intellectual property rights, if reference librarians unconditionally provide a large amount of literature. It then proposes countermeasures from three aspects. First, we should specify the amount and the scope of “fair use” by adopting quantitative and qualitative methods, while striving for more “library exceptions” in laws. Secondly, we should guide and nurture the readers’ consciousness of copyright protection by means of real-name registration, and copyright statements. Finally, we should utilize technologies to protect copyright.

Key words: Collaborative digital reference services of regional libraries, Original document retrieval in huge amount, Infringement on copyrights