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Faculty Guide: Streaming Videos

A faculty guide to accessing and viewing the library's streaming video collections

Below are some FAQs regarding copyright and showing videos in your class or on campus:

 

The Copyright Act of 1976 governs the rights of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and the public performance of videos.

 

Can I show videos in my classroom?

Showing a video, also known as a public performance, in the classroom is permitted under the “Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption” (17 U.S.C. § 110(1)).  In order to qualify for this exemption, all of these conditions must be met:

  • The performance takes place in a face-to-face classroom.
  • Only enrolled students and the instructor attend the performance.
  • The performance occurs at a non-profit, accredited educational institution.
  • The video in use was legally obtained.

 

Can I stream videos in my online class?

The “Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption” does not apply to online classes, or even classes with an online component. Anytime copyrighted works are assigned to students to view outside of the traditional classroom, a public perform license must be obtained in order to comply with copyright law. 

If a video has been posted online with permission of the copyright holder or with a Creative Commons license, a public performance license is not required. 

 

Can I show videos at my event?

Public performances outside of the face-to-face classroom are a copyright infringement. It does not matter if the event is free or an admission fee is charged, and it does not matter if you are a for-profit or non-profit institution. Additionally, renting, purchasing, or downloading the movie does not give you the right to show a video publicly outside of your home.

A public performance license must be obtained to show videos for events at Black Hawk College in which the “Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption” does not apply.

 

How do I get a public performance license?

The streaming videos found in the databases provided by the BHC Library include public performance licenses. Faculty may contact a librarian if they are in need of a public performance license to stream a video in their course.

In most cases, the Library will purchase a 12-month public performance license if the films fills a curriculum need and budgetary funds are available. The Library does not pay for public performance licenses for student events. 

 

Why should I be concerned about copyright?

Black Hawk College’s policy on Computer Security and Responsible Use prohibits the use of College information resources for activities that violate copyright. Additionally, unlicensed public performances can be subject to a $150,000 fine per showing (17 U.S.C. § 502-506).

 

What if I have more questions?

Contact a librarian for copyright assistance.