Videos in the Library Collection

A DVD is usually much more affordable for the library to purchase (and own permanently) than to license or purchase online streaming rights. DVDs can be much more cost effective in one of the following circumstances:

• Physical classroom use:

A video is to be shown during class time in a physical classroom.

• Synchronous Zoom Class session (with limits):

A video is to be shown to an online course via Zoom during a scheduled class meeting time.

• Electronic Reserves:

A video may be streamed via Electronic Reserves under Fair Use if:

• An institutional streaming license is not available;
• and/or only clips are used.

• Students viewing of the DVD in the library:

Students visit the library to physically check out and watch a DVD on Library Reserves.

• DVD backup:

Instructors want a back-up for:

• Free with Ads options.
• A free option available for an individual student to check a physical DVD out of Library Reserves if the instructor assigns student to rent a video as required course materials.

If you have a legally purchased DVD (your personal property or checked out from the Library), playing the DVD on your computer and sharing your screen via Zoom falls within copyright Fair Use under the following conditions:

1. The session cannot be recorded.
2. Only students registered for the course may attend the instructor's Zoom session.
3. Use only the portion of the film which is necessary to support the educational lesson. Do not show the whole film unless it is essential to the lesson/course.
4. Incorporate the DVD content into your pedagogy - commentary, learning outcomes, lecture, etc. - demonstrating the educational purpose of the viewing. (Courts weigh documentation and clear evidence of educational purpose as important and favorable to Fair Use.)

Streaming Non-DVD Video Content via Zoom

While DVDs will work for screen sharing, most streaming services--Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.--are often set up to detect screen-sharing software and will automatically disable that ability. Free video sharing websites like YouTube and Vimeo can be screened over Zoom, and they can also be shared/embedded within your LMS (Sakai/Canvas).

DVDs will work for screen sharing, but streaming services may be able to detect the screen share and disable that ability (So Netflix/Hulu may not work due to their technology). While Netflix and other services may have terms of service that disallow screen sharing, there is no market harm from this activity if there is no time or ability to negotiate public display rights with the vendor.