Hi Jim, Here is what our Library IT resource center told me about copyright laws in general and regarding digitizing: First, professors are welcome to show to their classes any materials that are owned by the university (for example the Library and the language lab) and their own, rightfully-purchased materials. Second, the primary question when we show these materials is "Are we affecting the marketplace?" For example, the language lab could not purchase only one copy of a CD that was integral to the student's textbook, and then copy it without permission for all students, nor show it in class. For it is understood that students would normally each purchase one copy of those essential materials. However, a professor, the library, or the language lab can purchase only one copy of a movie that is seen once during a semester, either in class or for homework, since it is assumed that each student would not purchase a copy for themselves. Such use does not affect the vendor's anticipated sales. Third, students must be enrolled in the class when viewing materials (be they at the Library, at the language lab, or on the internet). For materials on reserve or in the language lab's library, students must check out the material; we therefore know if they are university students and if they are taking the class. (One important note: Once the class is over, students no longer have rights to the materials.) And here's where digitizing comes up in particular: If materials are accessible through the internet, they STILL must be accessible ONLY to those students currently enrolled in a/the course. Thus, students will only gain access to materials by logging for example onto the relevant WebCT/Blackboard course and opening the video there. If the professor does not have a WebCT/Blackboard site for their course, then often a simple link can be set up through for students to use. The Fair Use Policy defines what is and is not legal at a university under copy write laws. http://lynx.csusm.edu/policies/policy_online.asp?ID=88 The Teach Act gives some more leeway to the above, for classroom use. http://www.utsystem.edu/OGC/IntellectualProperty/teachact.htm The Digital Millennium Act applies to items that are digitized and accessible online: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf#search=%22digital%20millen ium%20act%22 With warm wishes, Hilary ------------------------------------------------------ Hilary S. Comerchero, Director Language Learning Center California State University San Marcos 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 Office Location: University Hall, Room 222, then Room 206 Office Phone: 760-750-4197 Language Learning Center Location: University Hall, Rooms 240 & 260 Language Learning Center Phone: 760-750-8058 Language Learning Center Fax: 760-750-3313 Language Learning Center Website: http://www.csusm.edu/llc The Centers for Learning & Academic Support Services (CLASS) promote student success for a diverse university population by mentoring, fostering communities, and providing resources for academic excellence. CLASS is comprised of the Educational Opportunity Program, Language Learning Center, Math Lab, Student Support Services/TRIO, and Writing Center. *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) ***********************************************