This guide provides general information related to copyright, but does not provide legal advice. The creators assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of information provided on this site or linked sites. For legal advice, readers should contact a qualified attorney.
Thanks to the Furman University Library for permission to adapt content from their copyright guide.
| Format | Use in Classroom? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DVD | Yes | This applies both to copies held by the library and legally made and obtained personal copies. Search for films in the library catalog. |
| Streaming content owned by the library | Yes | Streaming content purchased by the library from sources such as Kanopy, Swank and Docuseek. Search for films in the Library Catalog. |
| YouTube, Vimeo, or other streaming content not owned by the library, but legally loaded by the copyright holder | Yes | Many streaming platforms are filled with copyright-infringing content. To prevent violating copyright, make sure the video that you show is streamed directly from the site and is not downloaded. Do not record or make a copy of the video in any way. Be sure to only show videos loaded by the copyright holder. For example, if it is a PBS video, only stream it from the PBS YouTube channel. |
| Amazon Prime, Netfix, Hulu, Disney+ and other content from personal subscription streaming services | No | It would be a violation of the terms of use to show programming from your personal streaming account in the classroom. Read more about Personal Subscription Streaming Services below. |
Subscription streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon have very detailed membership agreements that frequently restrict the streaming of their content in a classroom or other public venue.
When you agree to the membership terms, you enter into a contract and are bound by the terms of that agreement even if applicable exceptions to copyright would otherwise allow it. If you plan to show programs available through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and other subscription or short term rental streaming services, we encourage you to require your students to access that content outside of class through their own subscription or account.
Amazon has not made provisions for educational screenings of its content. Streaming Amazon content in a classroom setting would be a direct violation of licensing terms (section 4h).
Disney+ has not made provisions for educational screening of its content. Streaming Disney+ content may be a direct violation of their streaming agreement.
HBO has not made provisions for educational screenings of its content through personal accounts. Streaming HBO content in a classroom setting would be a direct violation of licensing terms (section 6a).
Some HBO documentaries are available in Kanopy for individual purchase. Submit a Film Request if you are interested in purchasing one of these titles.
Hulu has not made provisions for educational screenings of its content. Streaming Hulu content in a classroom setting would be a direct violation of licensing terms (section 3.2).
Netflix allows some of its documentaries to be shown in a face-to-face educational setting. To see if the Netflix program you wish to view permits educational use, visit the Netflix Media Center and search for the program you wish to show. If the title is permitted for educational use, you will see a link under the film's image reading "Before screening this title, read the Educational Screenings Permission (ESP)" with applicable uses clearly defined.