This is one interpretation found at
http://www.benedict.com/info/Law/FairUse.aspx

107. Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a
copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or
phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes
such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple
copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement
of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any
particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include -
  1.. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of
a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
  2.. the nature of the copyrighted work;
  3.. the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the
copyrighted work as a whole; and
  4.. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the
copyrighted work.
The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair
use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.

Hope it helps,

Stephen A. Taylor
Masters Candidate
University of New Brunswick
Phone 1.506.455.5716
Cell: 1.506.470.5545
Web:personal.nbnet.nb.ca/lowland

----- Original Message -----

From: "Cindy Gardner" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 12:10 PM
Subject: Showing movies to the general public and copyright laws


> Our director of education has the following questions and we hope that
> members of this list who better understand the copyright laws can help
> us know what we need to do.  Thanks in advance for your time.
>
> If we are a not-for-profit organization and show a movie to the general
> public as a part of an educational program, are we breaking any
> copyright laws?  We don't charge an entrance fee to the museum or a fee
> for viewing the movie.  What is anyone's experience with this? Do we
> need to approach the copyright holder? Does anyone know the "official"
> rules or legal repercussions on this?
>
> --
> Cindy Gardner, Field Services Curator
> Old Capitol Museum of Mississippi History
> Mississippi Department of Archives and History
> P.O. Box 571
> Jackson, MS 39205-0571
> Telephone: 601/576-6901
> Facsimile: 601/576-6981
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
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