Copyright Exceptions:
Materials for use in face-to-face instruction

Nothing on these pages should be construed as legal advice

Music

All types of music may be performed in the classroom as long as it is for instructional purposes, not for entertainment.

Example:

A Jimi Hendrix CD may be played in a class that is studying his influence on 1960s counterculture, but the same CD cannot be played as "background music" while students take an exam.

Printed Text

All types of printed materials may be displayed or performed in the classroom as long as they are for instructional purposes and not for entertainment.

Under fair use, a copy of a journal article or a book chapter may usually be distributed in class, but there are some restrictions.

Example #1:

Distributing different chapters from a book during each class session so that students will not have to purchase the book is prohibited.

Example #2:

Copying and distributing workbooks or standardized tests is prohibited. These consumable materials are meant to be purchased by each user.

Example #3:

Permission must be obtained to compile a coursepack for sale or distribution to students.  Often, a fee must be paid to the rights holder.

Visual Images

All types of still images -- photographs, slides, maps, charts, etc. -- may be shown in the classroom as long as they are for instructional purposes and not for entertainment.

Film and Video

Film and video may be shown in the classroom as long as it is for instructional purposes and not for entertainment.

Example:

An instructor may show portions of the movie Gone with the Wind to illustrate certain historical points for a class on the Civil War. However, the instructor may not show the movie to the students as a reward for having a good semester.

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