Copyright 101

Images created today automatically have copyright protection.You cannot assume you have permission to use images that have been posted on the Internet, even for educational or non-commercial purposes.  

When using images, you need to ask:

• Does the image have copyright protection or is it in the public domain?
• If it is protected by copyright, do I have permission to use the image?
• Is it fair use to use the image for my purposes?

Use CC Search portal to search sites such as Google Images and Flickr that contain images with Creative Commons (CC) licenses or explore the databases below for more public domain images.

• I’d like to show a video in class. May I get it digitized through the library?

Yes, under these conditions:

• If the library owns a legal copy of the content (that copy will be taken out of circulation for the duration of the online reserve)
• If the content can be hosted on our private library server and limited via authentication to only members of the class.
• If a good faith effort has been made to request a streaming license of the content, if such a request avenue is available from the publisher.

Search Hekman Library's catalog to see our film holdings or ask your liaison librarian for more information on our streaming options, and submit your digital reservation request.

• How can I show a video in my online class if it’s not in Hekman’s collection?

First, talk with your liaison librarian to determine whether the film can be purchased on DVD or if it is available on a streaming platform that Hekman Library supports such as Kanopy and Films on Demand (Hekman Library is not subscribed to Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, etc. and cannot provide access to films on these platforms). If we do not own it or have access through a subscribed streaming platform, you may request that the library purchase a copy/access to a film you need for class.

• May I link to a video on Vimeo or YouTube, even if it's possible that it was put up illegally (i.e., without acknowledging copyright)? 

This is more a matter of ethics than of the law; although it is possible to get away with using illegally shared content without penalty, it is not the most responsible course of action. Also, in such cases, videos can be suddenly taken down, and your video could disappear just as you plan to use it in class. 

• When is a public performance license (PPL) required for a showing of a film? 

A PPL is required for more open viewings, such as a workshop or entertainment event open to visitors; no PPL is required when shown to enrolled students in an educational (online or in-person) setting and for a limited time period.

• What about if I have my own subscription to Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus, etc. - may I show films from those providers in class? 

This is technically not permitted by these platforms nor by copyright law, even for educational content, unfortunately. However, some films may be available for purchase or via other streaming services, so always check with your liaison librarian for options.