Understanding Copyright Licenses for Educational Use in the UK
Published on: 11/30/2024
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Copyright law protects creative works such as books, films, music, and software. In educational settings, the use of these works often requires permission through a copyright license. In the UK, special provisions and licenses make it easier for educators and institutions to use copyrighted material legally. Here’s an overview of how copyright licenses work for educational use in the UK and what you need to know to stay compliant.
What is a Copyright License?
A copyright license is an agreement that grants permission to use copyrighted material in specific ways. For educational purposes, licenses allow institutions to use works for teaching, research, and administrative activities without infringing copyright law. Licenses often include limits on how much of a work can be used, how it can be shared, and with whom.
Key Types of Copyright Licenses for Education
1. Educational Recording Agency (ERA) License
The ERA License allows schools, colleges, and universities to record and use broadcast content for educational purposes. This includes programs aired on TV and radio from channels like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. Under this license, you can:
- Record broadcasts for classroom use.
- Store recordings on secure institutional networks.
- Share recordings with students and staff within the licensed institution.
Note: The ERA License does not cover commercial streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime.
2. CLA Education License
The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) Education License covers the use of printed and digital materials, such as books, journals, and magazines. With this license, educators can:
- Photocopy or scan up to 10% or one chapter/article of a published work.
- Distribute copies to students in a class or course.
- Store scanned materials on a secure network or virtual learning environment (VLE).
The CLA License is essential for sharing extracts from copyrighted texts in a legal and organized manner.
3. Open Government License (OGL)
Government works are often covered by the Open Government License (OGL), which permits free use and adaptation for educational purposes. This license applies to:
- Government reports and publications.
- Datasets from public institutions.
- Maps and other official documents.
Users must attribute the source and comply with any restrictions outlined in the license.
4. Public Domain and Creative Commons Licenses
Some works are freely available for educational use under public domain or Creative Commons licenses. These licenses allow educators to use materials without the need for additional permissions. Common license types include:
- Attribution (CC BY): Use the work with proper credit.
- Non-Commercial (CC BY-NC): Use the work for non-commercial purposes only.
- ShareAlike (CC BY-SA): Share adaptations under the same license terms.
Always check the specific license terms before using a work.
Copyright Exceptions for Education
UK copyright law includes certain exceptions for educational use under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. These exceptions allow limited use of copyrighted materials without a license, provided the use is:
- For non-commercial teaching and instruction.
- Fair dealing, meaning only the necessary portion of the work is used.
- Properly attributed to the original creator.
For example, showing a film clip during a lecture or using an image in a presentation may fall under these exceptions.
How to Ensure Compliance
To use copyrighted materials legally in an educational setting, follow these steps:
- Identify the type of material and how you intend to use it.
- Check if your institution holds the appropriate licenses, such as ERA or CLA.
- Determine if the work is covered by a public domain or Creative Commons license.
- Ensure proper attribution is given to the creator.
- Use only the portion of the work necessary for educational purposes.
Benefits of Copyright Licenses for Education
Licenses simplify access to high-quality resources and allow educators to:
- Enhance teaching with diverse materials like broadcasts, texts, and images.
- Save time and avoid legal risks by using pre-approved content.
- Promote fair and ethical use of intellectual property.
Conclusion
Understanding and using copyright licenses is essential for educational institutions in the UK. Licenses like the ERA and CLA provide legal pathways to access and share valuable resources while respecting creators’ rights. By adhering to the terms of these licenses and using copyright exceptions appropriately, educators can enrich their teaching while staying compliant with the law.