We have a number of old (very old, in some cases) films (often VHS) that
when we purchased them came with public performance rights. I have proof
of this from the catalogs/orders/receipts saved from that time period.
Most just say, "includes public performance rights" which is about all
their web sites say even today. I am referring to vendors like New Day,
Filmmakers Library, Women Make Movies, Icarus, Bullfrog, etc.
I have been trying to convert some of our old VHS Tapes to DVD where the
film is popular and if we have money to do so. In a few cases, the vendor
we purchased the tape from no longer has the rights or no longer sells the
film (in any format). I am wondering if we still have public performance
rights to these films?
If a vendor says, "includes public performance rights" does that ever
expire (when an expiration date is not provided, like ABC News, which
lists an expiration date)? Can I still show these films as part of a
campus film festival?
Thanks,
Matthew
Matthew Wright
Head of Collection Development and Instructional Services
William S. Boyd School of Law
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 451080
Las Vegas, NV 89154-1080
(702) 895-2409; (702) 895-2410 (fax)
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues
relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control,
preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and
related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective
working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication
between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and
distributors.
