Copyright & Creative Commons

The Library is here to help you. Here are some common questions received at Zondervan Library.

1. Can I show a video in class?

• The Copyright Act contains a special provision, Section 110(1), that allows teachers to perform or display a copyrighted work, either live or recorded, "in the course of face-to-face teaching activities... in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction." Thus, you can use sound recordings, live performances, readings, films, videotapes, slides, or any other performance or display of copyrighted works without restriction and without permission, so long as you are teaching students in a classroom or similar place such as a studio. The only exception is that you may not use a film or videotape that you have reason to believe is an illegally made copy.  

2. If the library owns the physical material, can I make copies to distribute? 

• It depends. Is it fair use? What amount are you copying? What happens to the copies after they are distributed?

3. How do I distribute library licensed material?

• Use permalinks to link to library licensed materials such as eBooks and journal articles. Articles obtained through ILL may not be used without permission from the copyright holder.

4. What about sites like Perusall?

• "You can upload any material you have the right or permission to share with your students: for example, open educational resources, open access articles, content that your institution has already licensed, etc."
• For anything else, you would have to get permission.

5. What about YouTube?

• Search for video content and filter by Creative Commons license to find content with reuse rights.

Can I use ___________ in my class?

It depends.

• Do you have permission?
• Is it in the public domain?
• Does it have a Creative Commons license?
• Is it licensed through the library?

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  Do a Fair Use analysis.

Still lost? Have a question? Learn what help is available and don’t be afraid to ask the staff for any help!

Library Ask Desk 

Stop by the Library's Ask desk with questions about finding resources or understanding what kinds of information to use for assignments. 

Contact: Lana Wilson, Asst. Library Director, Public Services

Call: (765)998-HELP (4357) or Email for research assistance

Library Check Out Desk 

Contact the Check Out desk with questions about borrowing & renewing Library items or Reserve materials for specific courses, or even questions about fines for overdue materials. 

Contact: Jan King, Circulation & Serials Coord.

Call: (765)998-5522 or Email the Check Out desk