Media Resources Collection

Copyright Guidelines for use of the Media Resources Collection

Users of films, television programs, and other audiovisual copyrighted materials should become familiar with copyright laws and fair-use guidelines. Violations could lead to prosecution for copyright infringement. Possession of a film (documentary or movie) does not confer the right to show the work.

For more information about copyrights for using audiovisuals or help on securing performance rights you may contact, Cindy Badilla-Melendez, Media Resources Librarian (651) 962-5464.

Classroom Use

The “face to face” teaching exception allow instructors, in non-profit educational settings, the performance or the display of copyrighted films (documentaries or feature films) in the classroom. Must meet the following criteria:

• must be shown either in a face to face setting or where students and instructors are in the same building or general area as part of the instructional progra
• must be shown by students, instructors, or guest lecturers
• must be shown either in a classroom or other location devoted to instruction
• must be shown to students or instructors only
• a legally obtained copy (not illegally reproduced) must be used

Outside Classroom
Feature films can not be shown outside the classroom unless the public performance license has been acquired. The majority of feature films purchased by UST are not licensed for public performance. If you need help securing permissions ask the Media Resources Librarian for advice.

Some documentaries may have been purchased with public performance rights. Ask the Media Resources Librarian for advice.

Conversion/Copying/Duplicating

Transferring from one format to another for example, from VHS to DVD is not legal unless permission is obtained by the copyright holder. Ask Media Resources Librarian, a new copy of the current format maybe available for purchase.

Copying/Duplicating an entire film is generally not permitted unless permission from the copyright holder is obtained.

Course Reserve

Any documentary or feature film that belongs to the libraries can be put on course reserve in the Media Resources Collection. Instructors may place personal copies of legally-acquired materials on short-term course reserve in the Media Resources Collection. The Media Resources Collection will not accept television programs copied off the air or illegally made copies of copyrighted works.

Streaming Video

Materials purchased with digital rights will be available online. Owning a DVD or VHS copy does not give the permission to digitize it and stream it. As this is a very complex issue right now, consult the Media Resources Librarian for advice.

Copying Off-Air Recording of Broadcast Programs for Education Use (Classroom Use)

A television broadcast program may be recorded off air and retained for a 45 day period. It can be shown once by individual teachers in a classroom, or similar place, devoted to instruction. The same television broadcast program can be shown only once more for instructional reinforcement.  After the first 10 school days in the 45-day retention period, the broadcast program may be used for evaluation purposes (i.e., to determine suitability for the curriculum), but it may not be used for student exhibition or any other non-evaluation purpose without authorization.  After 45 days, the video recording must be destroyed.

More information at

Educational Guidelines for Media (Standford University)
Consortium of College & University Media Centers

For assistance you may contact Cindy Badilla-Melendez, Media Resources Librarian.

For more information, see Copyright at UST or contact Cindy Badilla-Melendez, Media Resources Librarian.