Library Media Guide

Section 110(1) of the Copyright Law, Title 17, U.S. Code
(http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#110) provides an exemption for certain educational uses of video recordings. Specifically, it allows for "performance or display of a work by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to-face teaching activities of a nonprofit educational institution, in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction."

• The Library offers streaming videos through a number of databases that can be linked to your Canvas course or viewed in the classroom. These can be shared with enrolled students without violating copyright.

Streaming from a subscription-based service such as Netflix or Hulu in the classroom may be a violation of the terms of service that you agree to when signing up for an account. Services such as these are often restricted to personal and non-commercial use only. Check your license agreement before proceeding.

• These services do not offer institutional accounts so the Library cannot subscribe for the campus community. 
• If students have their own access to these services, they can view the films individually or as a group.
• Netflix does allow educational use of a small selection of documentaries, and those titles are freely available through the Netflix US YouTube channel. Titles may be added or removed at the discretion of Netflix, and Sac State has no control over this content.
  • Netflix US YouTube Channel

If you have a legally purchased DVD (your personal property or borrowed from the Library), playing the DVD on your computer and sharing your screen via Zoom falls within copyright and fair use under the following conditions:

1. Don't record the session
2. Only allow registered students in the course to access the Zoom session.
3. DVDs will work for screen sharing, but streaming services may be able to detect the screen share and disable that ability (so Netflix/Hulu may not work due to their technology).  

Technical advice for sharing your screen in Zoom to show a DVD or video (YouTube, etc.):

• You will need to enable sharing for sound as well
  • Click the Share Screen button at the bottom of your Zoom screen.
  • Check the Share Computer Sound and Optimize Screen Sharing for Video Clip in the share screen pop up window.
  • Make sure the volume is a appropriate level.
• Select the screen showing your video clip so that others can see the content.
• It is recommended that all participants turn off their cameras for the duration of the video and that participants mute their sound. 
• Mac users may find that the native DVD player blocks the video when you share your screen. If this happens we recommend downloading and using VLC Media Player to run DVDs instead.
• Use only the portion necessary to support your pedagogy (don't show the entire film unless you must).
• Instructor commentary and lecture during the course of the video greatly increases the fair use defense of this activity.

For additional technical support, contact IRT at servicedesk@csus.edu or (916) 278-7337.

A growing number of websites provide access to streaming video or multimedia content. Understand that these sites:

• May require registration for complete access
• May be supported by advertising
• Will have Terms & Usage language which should be checked before proceeding
• May have a section for educators
• Could be a temporary site without permanent storage

Internet Archive

Tubi

Plex

Freevee

Daily Motion

Content from these sites may change or be deleted without any notice. The Sac State Library makes no claims as to the content or availability of any of these videos on the sites listed above. 

Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film. While copyright law makes an exception for showing films in the classroom, showing them for a public audience, with or without an admission charge, may be a violation of copyright. 

When are PPR needed?

PPR are required for:

• Film screenings open to the public
• Film screenings in a public space where access is not restricted to registered students in a course
• Film screenings for a class, but inviting other non-registered students to attend the class viewing

PPR are not required for:

• Showing a film in the classroom as part of face-to-face teaching activities

How do I find out which Library items have PPR?

Media purchased by the Library is primarily to support classroom curriculum and PPR are not always secured for every film or video. When possible, the Library will note the record when PPR is included. Search OneSearch for films or videos with Public Performance Rights.

Where else can I secure PPR?

If a film or video does not have PPR through the Library, users can visit the following sites depending on the type of film or video.

• Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.
• Kino International
• Criterion Pictures USA

Contact Information

Questions about PPR rights can be directed to the Library's Publishing & Scholarship Support Team (lib-scholars@csus.edu).