A Short Course in Copyright for NWACC Faculty

When showing a movie or video in a face-to-face classroom for instructional purposes, you may be covered by the “face-to-face teaching exemption” as described in 17 U.S.C. §110(1).

✅ Allowed without a license:

• The screening takes place in a classroom or similar instructional space.
• The audience is limited to students enrolled in the course.
• The copy used is a legally obtained DVD, Blu-ray, or digital file (not bootlegged or pirated).
• The screening is part of face-to-face teaching activities and tied to course content.

⚠️ Not allowed under this exemption:

• Open events for the campus community.
• Screenings in lounges, residence halls, or public event spaces.

💡 Tip: If you want to invite non-enrolled students or host a public viewing, you’ll need public performance rights.

Want to host a movie night or invite the larger NWACC community?

You’ll need to obtain public performance rights. The Library can help!

Licensing fees vary based on:

• Audience size and admission charges
• Number of screenings
• Specific film requested

💡 Tip: Most requests are handled by email and are affordable for small, non-ticketed events.

📧 library@nwacc.edu

Streaming a film in an online class isn’t automatically allowed. You must consider fair use or seek licensing.

What to do:

• Visit the Apply Fair Use page to determine if your use qualifies.
• If fair use does not apply, the Library offers licensed streaming content from:

• Kanopy
• Academic Video Online
• O’Reilly for Higher Education
• Swank Digital Campus

Streaming rights and fair use decisions can be tricky. The Library team are here to support you.

We can:

• Help you evaluate fair use
• Assist in finding or licensing films
• Clarify requirements for public performance rights

📧 library@nwacc.edu