The American Library Association Fact Sheet 7 states the following:

“The Copyright Act of 1976 governs the rights of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and public performance and display. Several sections of this act have implications for videocassettes, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and computer file formats.

When libraries purchase a video formats and make them accessible to patrons for a specific rental period, they own the physical object but not the copyright.  Copyright law, there, determines what libraries can and cannot do with the video formats they own without infringing upon the copyright they do not own.  The law, however, also includes exceptions and limitations to the exclusive rights of the rights holder that allow libraries to lend, preserve and replace videos and allow non-profit educational institutions the right to publicly perform videos in the face-to-face classroom.  When libraries want to use a video in such a way that would infringe upon the copyright, permission must be sought from the rights holder in the form of a license agreement.”  

• Under these guidelines, most classroom uses of videos are permissible, provided that the showing is by instructors, guest lectures, or students done in connection with face-to-face teaching activities and not used for entertainment or recreation.

• Besides use in classrooms, videos that are owned by University of Richmond Libraries may ordinarily be viewed by students on their computers or in small conference rooms if they are assigned by instructors for out-of-class viewing.

• Videos owned by the University of Richmond Libraries may ordinarily be viewed at home (e.g. residence hall room) without infringement upon copyright.

• “Public” viewings of videos, in which the video is shown in a place open to the public and which anyone can attend, require explicit permission from the copyright owner for “public performing rights.”  The Libraries can provide information on how one can secure public performing rights (PPR) for film programs and other events using videos in a public setting.  (Note:  There are usually fees charged to obtain PPR.)

NOTE: The information presented above is only general information.  This is not to be considered legal advice.

• Faculty may request streaming movies through the course reserves form, or by contacting Nick Dease, Film and Humanities Librarian.
• If we do not currently have access to a film through one of our streaming platforms, we will try to locate a distributor or copyright holder to obtain a digital license to stream the film legally. Please note, this may not be possible for all titles.
• Ideally requests should be made at least 2 weeks prior to your screening date or assignment date. Please note, it takes time to locate and contact distributors, and for the content to be uploaded to a server. If the film is available, you will receive notification.
• Copyright law does not permit us to digitize an entire film without permission from the rights holder, but digitizing reasonable and limited portions is permissible under certain circumstances including the purposes of teaching or instruction. The Technology Learning Center (TLC) can assist with digitizing and creating video clips for courses.