Can I show a movie from the Library collection to my class?
Can I show my own copy of a movie to a class?
Can I show a video off-campus?
Can I show movies anywhere on campus?
Can I create a DVD copy from VHS?
Can I record a TV program to show in class?
Can I show YouTube videos in class?
Can I play music in class?
Can I show a movie (feature film) from the library collection to my class?
Yes. The Copyright Modernization Act is in force as of November 7th, 2012 and public performance rights are no longer needed for displaying of movies (feature films and documentaries) in a classroom setting. All materials purchased by the library before November 2012 were purchased with public performance rights, but this is no longer a requirement for the purchasing of cinematographic works. You would still need rights in some cases if you are streaming on-line material, depending on the license attached to that streaming content.
If you need further assistance, please contact the Audio Visual department of the Library (Email libmedia@torontomu.ca).
Can I show my own copy of a movie (feature film) to a class?
Yes you can use your own copy, or a rented or borrowed copy of a work as long as such work is not an infringing copy and was legally obtained. The Copyright Modernization Act is in force as of November 7th, 2012 and public performance rights are no longer needed for displaying of movies (feature films and documentaries) in a classroom setting. You would still need rights in some cases if you are streaming on-line material, depending on the license attached to that streaming content.
Can I borrow a video from the Library to show off-campus?
If the use is for an educational or training purpose and the audience is made up primarily of students, the answer is generally yes.
If the event is for profit or admission is charged, the answer is no. You would have to clear public performance rights through the distributor. Distributors may not agree to the use for advertising or if admission fees are charged.
Please contact the copyright owner or holder for clarification of rights beyond the purpose of education or training. The Audio Visual department of the Library (Email libmedia@torontomu.ca) can facilitate the process by providing information on the company from which the video or film is purchased.
Can I show movies (feature films) anywhere on campus?
No, except in the classroom or for educational or training purposes. The copyright exception for public performance rights permit use only for education or training – often meaning the classroom. They do not allow the extended use in dormitories or student pubs or other functions such as information nights or career fairs.
Can I create a DVD copy from VHS?
No. Reproduction of works without permission from the copyright owner/holder is considered a breach of copyright. It is also a breach of the law to break any digital rights management technologies in order to format shift content or extract content. Please contact the Audio Visual department of the Library (Email libmedia@torontomu.ca). We will check the resources of other libraries/institutions to see if a legal copy can be loaned. Failing that, we will try to locate the copyright owner/holder to help you make the reproduction request.
Can I record a television program to show in class?
It depends.
Check the Copyright Board Web Site for details about educational rights.
Can I show YouTube videos in class?
It depends.
Streaming video: You can show a YouTube video in class as no public performance rights are necessary in Canada. However, please check that the video has been posted by the legal copyright holder. You can also send a link to a YouTube video to your students for them to view privately. Please make sure you do not send links of material that have been illegally posted by a non-copyright holder.
Downloading or copying a YouTube video: You can only download or copy a YouTube video if the download button is activated for that content. The best way to make YouTube material available to your students is through linking.
Yes. The Copyright Act permits playing a sound recording or live radio broadcast in the classroom for educational purpose. However, to go beyond the classroom for non-educational purpose, a license has to be obtained from SOCAN, (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) the copyright collective.