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Using Images, Video, and Other Media
What Counts as “Media”
The term media includes:
- Photographs, diagrams, and illustrations
- Film, television, and online videos
- Music and sound recordings
- Digital images and animations
- Streaming content and broadcasts
All of these works are protected by copyright, even when freely accessible online.
Using Images in Course Materials
Under Fair Dealing, you may reproduce a limited number of images for educational purposes under Fair Dealing when:
- The use supports teaching, learning, or research;
- The number of images used is reasonable and necessary for the purpose; and
- The image is attributed to its creator or source.
Typical examples include:
- A small number of images in PowerPoint slides for in-class discussion;
- A single image reproduced in an online course module for commentary or analysis.
Avoid reproducing entire image collections or galleries — that would exceed Fair Dealing.
Using Licensed or Openly Available Images
Many online images are available under Creative Commons (CC) or similar open licenses.
You may use these freely if you comply with the license terms, which usually require attribution.
Example of a proper CC-BY attribution:
Photo by Jane Smith, licensed under CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Western Libraries also subscribes to databases that provide image collections licensed for educational use.
Always check the license terms or contact the library before downloading or embedding.
Video and Film in Teaching
The Copyright Act permits public performance in an educational context (s.29.5), allowing instructors to show films or videos on campus or via secure course platforms when:
- The copy used is legally obtained (e.g., personal copy, library copy, licensed stream);
- The viewing is for a non-commercial, educational purpose; and
- Access is restricted to enrolled students.
Streaming Media
- Prefer licensed services such as Criterion-on-Demand, NFB Campus, or other library platforms.
- Avoid screening from personal or subscription accounts (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime). Netflix does have educational licenses on some material, but the list is limited.
- Do not download or retain unauthorized digital copies.
If the desired work is unavailable through licensed channels, contact Copyright Services to explore permission or purchase options.
Using Images and Media in Publications or Theses
When publishing or depositing work publicly (e.g., a thesis, article, website, or poster):
- Fair Dealing rarely applies once the work is distributed online.
- Obtain written permission for any copyrighted images, charts, or video stills not created by you.
- Ensure that third-party content is clearly attributed.
- Keep permission documentation with your submission records.
For theses, follow the steps in Copyright in Theses and Dissertations.
Accessibility and Captions
When using media in online courses or presentations:
- Provide captions or transcripts for videos and audio.
- Ensure that text alternatives (e.g., alt text for images) describe the content meaningfully.
- Avoid using materials that cannot be made accessible under license terms.
These steps are required to meet AODA and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
| Misunderstanding | Clarification |
|---|---|
|
“If it’s on Google Images, I can use it.” |
No — most images online remain under copyright. |
|
“I can show my Netflix film to the class.” |
Not permitted under subscription terms. Some exceptions apply. |
|
“I can crop or edit an image however I like.” |
Only if it doesn’t prejudice the creator’s moral rights. |
|
“I don’t need to cite open-license images.” |
Attribution is still required under Creative Commons and similar licenses. |
Best Practices
- Use licensed or open-access media whenever possible.
- Attribute all creators and include license information.
- Use secure, university-hosted systems for streaming or sharing.
- Request permission for public uses (theses, publications, events).
- Maintain accessibility and format standards for all learners.