Definition

A custom-compiled collection of readings for a course, typically photocopied and bound, existing in legal gray areas of fair use. The precursor to expensive digital course materials that somehow cost even more.

Example Usage

The bookstore wants to charge students $85 for my coursepack of photocopied articles that would cost me $3 at Kinko's.

Origin

Academic publishing workaround emerging in 1970s-80s

Fun Fact

The 1991 Kinko's copyright lawsuit fundamentally changed coursepack practices, leading to complex licensing fees that often exceed the cost of regular textbooks

Source: Academic publishing and course materials terminology

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