I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M Date: 29-Mar-1991 07:55am EST From: Corinne H. Smith CHSMITH Dept: Audio Visual Services Tel No: (814) 863-3104 TO: Remote RSCS/NJE Network User ( _BITNET%SCREEN-L@UA1VM ) Subject: Copyright issues Regarding the use of copyrighted materials in the classroom, the most "definitive word" is in the "Fair Use" guidelines of the Copyright Law. The original text is in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, October 14, 1981, vol. 127, No. 145, House of Representatives, pp. E4750-4752. But here's what it boils down to, and here's what we tell faculty members at Penn State: you can use videotapes purchased from legitimate distributors quite freely in your classroom, because those tapes usually have no restrictions on them. You can use videotapes rented from the local video rental store in your classroom (even though they may say "home use only") PROVIDING (1) you get permission from the store to do so, (2) only registered members of the class are present at the showing, (3) you charge no admission fee, and (4) the showing is a regular part of the classroom instruction and you, as the teacher, are there. Please note that there are a few distributors that feel that classroom instruction is the same as a public performance, and certain feature films may not be legitimately available for classroom use. Most are, though. Here's the rule for taping off-air: if you see something good on TV tonight and you tape it, you may use that video in class during the NEXT TEN SCHOOL DAYS. You may keep that copy for a total of 45 CALENDAR DAYS to decide whether or not you or your organization may want to eventually purchase a legitimate copy for your collection. AFTER 45 CALENDAR DAYS, YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO ERASE IT! Now, this "Fair Use" rule only applies to stuff you intend to use in class....not the piles of tape cases you have stacked up next to your VCR at home, because those are for your own personal use. I'm not an expert on this subject per se, but I've had to deal with it and explain it to many instructors. If anyone wants more info or lists of print materials on the subject, I've got a file folder full. Corinne Smith, Media Resources Coordinator, Penn State University <CHSMITH@PSUCES1> (800) 826-0132 FAX: (814) 863-2574