Often, licences are negotiated between a copyright owner and a user, outlining the ways in which someone can use a work for a limited period of time. Sometimes, licences frequently look like commercial agreements or contracts. However, because a licence is, at heart, about permission, a licence can be granted informally, including over email and in some cases, it may even be spoken and be no less valid and enforceable..
There are many types of licensed content that you will encounter, but here we are going to focus on library-licensed content.
The StFX Library licenses content such as journal articles, e-books, data sets, and streaming media for affiliated users. Affiliated users may use this content in various ways; and the permitted uses are available in novanet under the Copyright & Permissions link in a record.
Permitted uses may include:
If it’s not clear to you what you can do with library-licensed content, email library@stfx.ca
Collective societies represent creators and copyright owners who produce content of a similar type, such as written material or music. Members authorize the collective society to issue licences and collect royalties on their behalf.
When you want to use copyright-protected works in ways that are not outlined in your university’s copyright practices or guidelines, library licences, or open licences, you may need to obtain permission from the copyright owner for your use. This may involve obtaining a pay per use licence otherwise known as a transactional licence. Transactional licences grant permission to use copyright-protected works, usually for a specific time period, and may require payment to the copyright owner. A transactional licence is usually an agreement between the institution and the copyright owner. For example, you may require a transactional licence to scan four chapters from a 10-chapter book and post them in your online course.
The process for obtaining permission will vary depending on the copyright owner. Some publishers and platforms provide a copyright permission request link on their website. In other cases, you may have to send a request, in the form of a letter or email, to the copyright owner. It’s important to be specific about how you are going to be using the material you are requesting. Obtaining permission can take anywhere from a few days to many weeks; give yourself plenty of time. All licences, even informal ones between you and a colleague, should be in writing and kept so that there is a record of permission.
In addition, you may encounter many other types of licences in a university environment. Here are a few examples:
Always refer to the licence when you want to know how the material may be used.
What about licences you enter into yourself, such as Netflix or iTunes? Can you use these resources to help teach your students? Generally, the answer is no; these types of licences are usually for personal use only. See this guide by University of Victoria for more information on playing videos and movies in the classroom.