Are there special rules and/or exemptions for libraries in regards to home viewing only products?
According to the American Library Association, here are some copyright rules that apply specifically to libraries: Loan/Rental of Videos – Libraries may loan/rent videos to patrons for their personal use. This is true even if the video is labeled “For Home Use Only.” According to The Copyright Primer for Librarians and Educators, Second Edition by Janis H. Bruwelheide (p. 51), “a library or school that resells, rents, or lends a copy of a copyrighted videotape, which it owns, is not infringing on the copyright owner’s rights.” Some guidelines to follow when loaning/renting a video to a patron: • Libraries should not obscure (i.e., cover or deface) the copyright notice as it appears on the producer’s label. • Libraries should not knowingly loan a video to groups for use in public performances. If a patron inquires about a planned performance of a video, he or she should be informed that only private uses of it are lawful. • Libraries can charge a nominal fee for use of videos. According
