Requesting Videos at Lehigh: Guidelines on Performance Rights

Lehigh’s video collection has been built to support the instructional mission of the university, and we encourage you to make maximum use of this excellent resource in your teaching. Section 110(1) of the U.S. Copyright Act describes the nature of the exemption that enables us to purchase feature films and other videos that are generally sold exclusively for home use and show them in an educational setting. Occasionally, we purchase films that come with broader rights. Faculty should consult with Media Center staff or librarians to determine the performance rights associated with any particular video.

In general, the use of most videos added to the library collection, and, in particular, the use of feature films, is limited to a classroom or similar location for instruction. Here are some additional guidelines for video showings:

• Attendees should be limited to members of the university community
• An instructor should be present to provide an educational context for the showing
• There should not be off-campus advertising, through posters or flyers, email, or internet, that implies that the showing is open to the public
• No admission fee may be charged.

If you wish to seek permission for public performance rights for a particular video or to find out about fees for showing a film for a single event, please consult with staff in the Media Center, allowing ample time for negotiations and processing.