Is there an easier way to obtain/provide permission to reuse copyrighted materials rather than to contact the rightsholder directly?
Yes, through Copyright Clearance Center. Copyright Clearance Center is a not-for-profit company which was formed in 1978 at the suggestion of Congress to provide copyright owners and users of copyrighted materials with an efficient mechanism for the exchange of permissions and royalties. Acting as an agent for over 9,600 registered publishers and hundreds of thousands of authors and creators worldwide, Copyright Clearance Center can authorize the legal reuse of content from our extensive repertory.