This Guide does not supply legal advice nor is it intended to replace the advice of legal counsel. If in doubt if something is protrected under copyright law, fair use, creative commons or the public domain contact the original creator for permission.
Showing Film & Video
Below are the Libraries' advice and policies for obtaining public performance rights for audiovisual material in the classroom:
In-Person Class Instruction
Audiovisual materials on DVD owned by the Library may be used in the classroom as part of regular in-person instruction. These permissions are extended to Library-licensed streaming services.
The above policy does not cover streaming media from services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon. The use of such media in the classroom may be a violation of copyright. If you have questions or are wondering if a title is available in a Library-licensed streaming service, please email Marissa Krein or Dottie Hill.
The Copyright Act at §110(1) (face to face teaching exemption) allows for the performance or display of video or film in a classroom where instruction takes place in classroom with enrolled students physically present and the film is related to the curricular goals of the course.
The TEACH Act amendment to the Copyright Act, codified at § 110(2), permits the performance of a reasonable and limited portion of films in an online classroom. Under the TEACH Act, there is the express limitation on quantity, and an entire film will rarely constitute a reasonable and limited portion.
Use by Groups or Clubs
Clubs and other groups wishing to use audiovisual materials in classrooms must first obtain public performance rights from the copyright owner. There is an exception if those rights were purchased along with the material, which is often the case with institutional purchases from educational vendors.
Get Help
Individuals and groups needing assistance obtaining a public performance right can email Marissa Krein or call her at 913-288-7285.
