Regarding the use of laserdiscs in classroom, Lincoln Stewart's reply to Mike Abbott suggested some question about the legality of showing purchased laserdiscs or VHS tapes in classrooms. My understanding of the law is that that the Educators' exception to the proprietors' rights in the Copyright Laws permits such screenings. See Section 110: Limitations on Exclusive rights which says in part, "the following are not infringements of copyright: 1) performance or display of a work by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to-face teaching activities of a nonprofit educational institution, in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction . . ." and so forth. Jerome K. Miller in "Using Copyrighted Videocassettes in Classrooms, Libraries, and Training Centers" (1984) summarizes the "rules" (pp. 13-14): 1) . . . displays . . . must be made from legitimate copies, including prerecorded videocassettes; 2) . . . displays must be part of a systematic course of instruction and not for the entertainment, recreation or cultural value of any part of the audience; 3) . . . displays must be given by the instructors or pupils; 4) . . . displays must be given in classrooms and other places devoted to instruction; 5) . . . displays must be part of the teaching activities of nonprofit educational institutions; and 6) Attendance is limited to the instructors, pupils, and guest lecturers." Other discussions of these issues since 1984 that I have reaffirm this position: Section 110 permits classroom-use, face-to-face teaching use of copyrighted videocassettes--of course, under the very specific rules indicated above. (I'm not sure if the presence of popcorn would suggest "entertainment" as in #2 above, however.) Regarding the original issue, it is my understanding that making copies for reserve for the library is not legal; however, some university audio-visual libraries take these copies. I would suggest to Mike Abbott checking with your library and see if it will do this especially if your University's lawyers are willing to back up the practices of the library. Some lawyers are liberal interpreters of copyright laws. Good luck. Janet Staiger, University of Texas at Austin Janet Staiger Professor of Radio-Television-Film Director, College of Communications Senior Fellows Program University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 78712 USA 512-741-6653 (office) 512-329-5104 (home) 512-329-5144 (home fax) [log in to unmask] ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]