Data are presented of polarisation studies carried out to elucidate the orientation of the benzotriazole molecule adsorbed onto copper thin films. Spectra were obtained at the carbon K-edge. Comparisons are made between this and the orientations of structurally similar molecules; indazole, methyl benzotriazole and benzimidazole. Different copper film thicknesses and degrees of oxidation were investigated, and a film of benzotriazole on silver was also examined. All of the molecules were found to be oriented normal to the substrate, except benzimidazole on copper, which showed no orientation dependence.