Can we show a library film without paying a fee or seeking copyright permission?
Answer
It depends.
If you are screening the film in a class, then yes. See 17 U.S.C. § 110(1). Note the following conditions:
- The teaching activities are conducted by a non-profit education institution.
- The performance is in connection with face-to-face teaching activities.
- The performance takes place in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction.
- The person responsible for the performance has no reason to believe that the videotape was unlawfully made.
If you are screening the film for some other public purpose, then you probably do need to seek permission, as most of the library's films do not carry public performance rights.