1. What Educators Should Know
Copyright
What Educators Should Know

2. What is Copyright?
Copyright is a property right granted to authors of original work.
The purpose is to protect and promote creativity.

3. Fair Use Law for Educators
Fair use guidelines were developed to clarify the rights of educators to copy or use materials for educational purposes.
In order for Fair Use to apply the material being used must be directly related to an educational objective.

4. Fair Use Applies TO Videos Printed Materials
Graphics (any visual image)
Audiovisual (sound, motion picture, projected images)
Software
Satellite
Internet
Multimedia

5. Videos in the Classroom
Classroom use of a copyrighted video is permissible only when all of the following conditions are met:

6. It must be shown in relation to face-to-face teaching activities.
The entire audience must be involved in the teaching activity.
It must be shown in a classroom or similar instructional area.
The audience is in the same room.
It is a closed space with a single classroom of students.
The teaching activities are conducted in a non-profit, educational setting.
It may not be shown for entertainment or reward.
The video has not been illegally made or copied.

7. Stockbridge High Guidelines
Must be previewed by the personnel using it.
Must have instructional value and objectives for the use of it, and it must be included in the teacher’s lesson plans.
Must not be used solely to entertain students.
Must follow copyright procedures as established by county regulations and state and federal laws.
Must be used in face-to-face instruction with one class, unless public performance rights are held.

8. Video ? and Answer
Q: “It’s raining outside. May I use a video for recess?”
A: No. Using a video for entertainment is a violation of the Fair Use guidelines.
Q: “Can the Media Specialist show a video over the closed circuit system at school?’
A: This is considered public performance. It can only be done if the school owns public performance rights for the video.
Q: “My students prefer to watch a movie when a substitute is here. Is that acceptable?”
A: It is only acceptable if it enhances or supports the curriculum that is being currently taught and is shown in that context with appropriate instructional activities.

9. Printed Materials Educators may copy Educators may not copy
A single copy of a chapter from a book.*
A single copy of an article from a magazine or newspaper*
A single copy of a short essay, short poem, or short story*
Educators may not copy
Consumable materials, i.e. workbooks
To keep from buying
The same item for sequential grading periods
*Must be destroyed after the teaching opportunity.

10. Software
When you purchase software (computer games or programs) you are not actually buying the program. You are buying the right to use a copy of it.
Software may not be installed on more than one computer in a school unless the school owns a site license for it.

11. Graphics
Educators may use graphics from a program that has been purchased (Print Shop, Clip Gallery, etc.) to enhance presentations, newsletters, bulletin boards, etc.
Educators may not
Change the format, i.e. “blowing up” the graphic
Create a hand drawn imitation
Copy more than one from a book or periodical
Copy more than 9 graphics for the course

12. Who is Accountable?
Teachers, Media Specialists, Administrators, School Boards
All equipment in a school is considered “supervised.” Therefore, if it is used to violate copyright law we are all responsible.
You are liable if you should have known about it.

13. Is It Worth It? $250--$10,000 per infringement
If the infringement is willful, the fines can be as high as $100,000
Violation of software copyright is a felony and carries fines up to $250,000 per infringement

14. This presentation covers only a portion of the copyright issues faced by educators.
Your Media Specialist has special training in issues relating to copyright. If you are in doubt, ask for advice.

15. Why is it Important? We are working to
produce “lifelong learners and productive citizens,” so it is
our job to model
responsible behavior.

16. Board Policy From Online Policy Manual, September 8, 2003
Compliance with State Board Policy, State and Federal Laws
It is the policy of this Board to comply with all State Board policies and adopted documents related to media programs and resources (IFA), personnel (GBB and GDBA) and facilities and to adhere to any relevant state and federal laws.

17. Henry County’s Authority on Copyright
Henry County refers to Gary Becker’s book, Copyright: A Guide to Information And Resources as the authority on Copyright Law.
Please see Leslie Wantland in the media center with your copyright questions.

18. References
(2002). ALA Fact Sheet 7: Video and Copyright. Retrieved Aug. 22, 2003, from The American Library Association:
Becker, G. (2003). Copyright: A Guide to Information and Resources, 3rd Edition. Lake Mary, FL: .
Fitzgerald, M. (1999). Copyright for Media Specialists. Retrieved Aug. 22, 2003, from
(2000). Regents Guide to Understanding Copyright & Educational Fair Use . Retrieved Aug. 22, 2003, from University System of Georgia Board of Regents:
Ryan, L., Smith, L. & Thomas, J. Breaking Down the Monster of Copyright Law.
Simpson, C.M. (1997). Copyright for schools: A practical guide (2nd ed.). Worthington, OH: Linworth.
Thanks to Connie Yearwood of Habersham County for sharing this information and PowerPoint format.