Scholarly Communications

When libraries purchase access to a film (physical or electronic), they do not own the copyright. Copyright law, therefore, determines what use is legal.  Acceptable educational uses of films include:

• Showings of films in the classroom during the regular class meeting time
• Allowing students to check out DVDs from physical course reserves to watch on their own
• Providing links to streaming videos purchased by the library
• Creating video clips (no more than 10% of the work) to share with the students

You can request we buy a film using the e-reserves form

• We will purchase a streaming license if available
• We will purchase a DVD if available

Commercial streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu do not license their works to academic libraries. Netflix provides a YouTube channel for documentaries they open up to educational use.

What if you need a digital copy of the entire film (A)/  or  need clips of the video (B)?

• (A) While the library cannot digitize entire films, individuals may refer to the Fair Use guidelines and judge their use allows digitization. Fair use decisions are made by you, not by the libraries.  If you decide to proceed, please email mediahelp@wm.edu to get directions on creating your own digital copy.
• (B) The library can create video clips totaling 10% of the entire work for you.  Complete the Course Reserves & Video Clip Service form.