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Copyright Extra: Screenshots and Thumbnails

A private staff only guide to complement the published Copyright LibGuide.

Thumbnails of videos

Q. Can I make a screenshot of a video such as a YouTube clip to include in a resource

The taking of the screenshot of YouTube videos is technically making a copy of part of a ‘cinematographic film’  and will likely be permitted under the flexible dealing exception (Section 200 AB) as it is for the purpose of educational instruction. The screenshot is an image that would need to be labeled: 

Copied under section 200AB [ insert source]

Q. Do I need to label a thumbnail image that is created as a consequence of embedding a video? 

Embedding a  video can create a thumbnail of the online video which the teachers/students access and play the video from its original source. Embedding involves copying a portion of HTML code that allows videos to be displayed in your resource which often looks like a thumbnail.  This is not a copyright activity so no label is required.

 

Screenshots

Screenshots are images and covered under our Text and Artistic Works (Education) Licence. You can label such images under s113P.

To reduce costs to TAFE under s113P you should check whether the site offers general permissions given to educational or other uses. This information will often be at the bottom of the page under headings such as Terms, Trademarks or Copyright.

If such permissions exist, you can attribute/label accordingly. Any label should include a link to the page with the permission information and should include any wording or links specified by the copyright owner.

If the permission says you have to get separate permission for any third-party content shown, then you will be better off using the s113P label that covers all the content in the image.

Permission sought and granted

If you have asked the site or product owner for permission to use the content of their website, follow the labeling advice for permissioned items.

 

General permission given through information on the site

If the website provides information that allows you to copy screenshots, use a label that links to this information and follows any attribution format that the site may have specified. For instance, Microsoft allows you to make screenshots but asks that you label each instance as used with permission from Microsoft. eg:

Screenshot used with permission from Microsoft   

Copied under s113P

In the absence of any permission, or restricted permission you can rely on the provisions of the Text and Artistic Works Licence and label the image under s113P

Copied under s113P, [Owner/Creator], [Title linked to URL]