Showing Videos: In a face-to-face class, there is no issue with showing or streaming any legally obtained video copy as long as it relates to what you teach and your class objectives. If it moves beyond the classroom, you need public performance rights even if you are not charging admission to the screening. For online classes, it is more complicated. Still, any video from library streaming video subscriptions can be added to your course without additional permission because the library subscribes to that service. See Using Library Content for more information on easily adding videos to your course.
What are Public Performance Rights?
Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the right to show media to groups. The producer or distributor assigns the rights to public performance.
When is PPR needed?
PPR is needed if media will be shown outside of home viewing or classroom use. This includes film series, student or faculty-sponsored lectures, and club events. PPR generally requires that no admission be charged to see the film and often includes specific regulations that may vary from one film distributor to another. For example, some distributors require a film with PPR only to be shown on campus or to those affiliated with the university.
What happens if a PPR is not obtained?
The event's sponsoring group can be put at legal risk, as can the owner/renter of the media shown without the PPR license. For example, if the film was owned or watched through the Library databases, the library's access to the database could be revoked, among other risks.
Does any media purchased or licensed by the SCC Library have the PPR?
It varies by title, but typically, the library does not purchase DVDs that include PPR. Some streaming databases automatically come with PPR (either full or limited). Check with your librarian to get confirmation on the inclusion of PPR. Kanopy has some PPR included but Swank does not.
Source used PPR information: SUNY Binghamton Libraries