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Copyright Basics

A few guidelines on Copyright and how to properly use copyrighted material in your classes.

Streaming Media

Can I use my Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Criterion Collection accounts in the classroom?

  • No. You cannot screen films from these platforms, even for educational purposes.The terms of service for these sites state that the content is licensed for private, home use only and CANNOT be viewed by anyone but the account holder except with express written permission from the site. Violating these terms can result in a suspension of your account.
  • Netflix has recently released a list of films for which they are granting users an "educational license" to screen in classrooms. These films are documentaries which have been deemed "culturally significant" by Netflix and are the only films which can be screened without prior permission.

Can the library purchase a subscription to these sites?

  • No. These sites do not allow for institutional purchases of accounts and generally only have the capability of two or three people watching simultaneously.  The library does, however, subscribe to a few different screening platforms and we can help you find films that may be available to license through those vendors.

Can I use images from the internet in my teaching?

  • Yes, as long as the images are used for educational purposes only and the use qualifies as being "fair." Fair use isn't crystal-clear, cut-and-dry, so there are grey areas here. For example, scanning an image from a print book may be allowed under Fair Use, but not absolutely. Best practice is to first try to find an image from the Creative Commons that will demonstrate your topic.

Can I Scan/Upload Books or Articles to MyCourses?

The answer is "YES" if:

  • Yes, if... The article or book is in the Library's digital collection, i.e. our library databases. The Library's licensing agreements make it perfectly legal for each student to individually access, save, or print copies. All you have to do is provide the link to that article or book in MyCourses. Ask us if you need help with this!
  • Yes, if... You are linking to something you have found online. You can legally link to articles and resources that you find on the free web, i.e. Google, but beware that these copies are sometimes legal and sometimes not. The link may not be stable and could disappear at critical times during a term. The ideal way to provide students with access to a specific source is through the Library's databases.
  • Yes, if... You are uploading an article, book, or book chapter that is openly licensed. Contact the library for help.
  • Yes, if... You have requested permission from the publisher of an article or book to upload that specific source to MyCourses. 

The answer is "NO" if:

  • No, if... You scan and upload to MyCourses an entire article or book chapter that is covered by traditional copyright and for which you have not been granted permission by the publisher to use in that fashion. This rule is a bit different than the face-to-face teaching rules. Instead, online teaching is dictated by the TEACH ACT. Read more about what the TEACH ACT allows and doesn't allow.

 

Sources: 

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/copyright/teachact/distanceeducation

https://tacomacc.libguides.com/c.php?g=373181&p=2524120

https://libguides.pratt.edu/filmcollection/screeningrights