Q. Can TCC students or staff show a film for a club event or activity?

Unfortunately, showing a copyrighted film to a group of students outside of a classroom setting for educational purpose, even if on campus, without a license/permission may not only go against public performance rights (PPR) but against a personal streaming license if it is a streaming video/film. A license/permission will need to be obtained if you do not already have one.

For a club event or meeting, a classroom exemption would not apply. Even if for educational purposes, you will need to weigh all the factors of Fair Use. If the film is free online, you will also need to review terms and conditions of using the platform and content. 

Many of the streaming films and videos in our library databases come with performance rights to be shown while on campus. You can learn how to search for streaming videos here.

You can request the TCC Library purchase licensing rights to show a film on campus for an event using our suggest a resource form, but please know that funds are limited and such licensing is typically out of budget ranges. Films needed for classroom use take priority. 

Please see the links below to more information in understanding this topic.