Showing Videos: In a face-to-face class, there is no issue with showing any legally obtained copy of a video or streaming it as long as it relates to what you are teaching 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.
Copies of articles or book chapters: If you are in a face-to-face class, you can make a copy of an article for your students to use without permission as long as it is something you will not be using semester after semester. Scanning or downloading an article and posting it in a learning management system such as Canvas is also okay if it is "spontaneous." But just like copies, if you use it for more than one semester, you need copyright permission to post it. It is always okay to link to articles or use articles from library databases. See Using Library Content for more information on easily adding articles to your course.
For more information, see Using Course Management Systems: Guidelines and Best Practices for Copyright Compliance.
Coursepacks: Coursepacks are traditionally a collection of sources copied and sold In the college bookstore. In general, whenever you are making a coursepack for your class, you must obtain the correct copyright permissions. Courts are pretty clear on what is and is not allowed. Usually, permissions are given for a semester only and must be renewed if the material is used again. It doesn't always cost to get permissions, but with coursepacks, the publisher will often base the cost on the number of students in the course. Again, the librarians can assist you in obtaining the proper permissions if you decide to put one together, but remember, the process can be time-consuming.
For more information, Stanford University created a great guide on "Academic Coursepacks and Copyright."
Textbooks: Copying textbooks (especially workbooks) should be avoided; because of the impact on the market, it often leans toward "not fair use." We can put textbooks on reserve at the library for your students to use. The library reserve collection contains course-related material available for a limited checkout period to give all students access. That way, if the student wants to make copies of the textbook, it is for their personal use.
Library Reserves: Permission is probably unnecessary if the material is for only one semester, as this is considered "inspirational" use. However, copyright permission must be obtained if the article or book chapter will be used again or if you are using a significant amount of one work (for example, more than one chapter). Also, remember that "out of print" does not automatically give permission to photocopy. Faculty members should contact library liaisons for assistance in requesting copyright permission.