Movie Public Performance Copyright
Compliance Site License

All Nebraska public libraries are covered by a statewide blanket license between the Nebraska Library Commission and Movie Licensing USA, Inc. for public viewing of motion pictures. With this license, motion pictures may be shown as part of various library services and programming at the library. Note: The Nebraska Library Commission has recently renewed the license for another year.  All public libraries are currently covered through September 30, 2013.

For more information about the license, contact Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, 402-471-4003, 800-307-2665, fax: 402-471-2083

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If the library owns the videocassettes and DVDs, do we need a license to show them?

Yes, it is necessary for the library to have a license, regardless of who owns the video.  Whether it is part of the library collection, someone's personal collection, or rented from a video business, if the film is included in the database it is legal to show in the library.  (See question five below for information about the database.)

Q. We do not charge admission. Do we need a license?

Yes, the Federal Copyright Act states that regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, a license is required. In fact, this license only applies to showings where no admission fee is charged.  You are allowed to provide people the opportunity to give free will donations and you may sell food such as popcorn and soda at the event, if you so choose.

Q. We would like to show videos to our library cardholders as well as other members of the public? Do we need a license?

Yes, libraries are required to have a public performance license to exhibit to library cardholders at the library as well as to other members of the public.

Q. We would like to publicize the performance. What methods are acceptable?

Announcements of video showings in library newsletters, bookmarks, bulletin boards, etc. where the recipients are likely to be library cardholders and staff are allowable.  In these cases it is permitted to list the title of the motion picture.  However, use of public media (TV, radio, newspapers, or pages on the Internet) to advertise specific titles is prohibited.

Q. Does a Movie Public Performance Site license cover all videocassettes and DVDs?

No, some videos, such as educational and special interest titles, are purchased with public performance rights. Certain videos of motion pictures in public domain do not require a license.  Some motion picture DVDs or videocassettes are not covered by the license. 

To learn if a particular title is covered by the license, go to: http://www.movlic.com/ click on "Public Libraries" and enter the movie title in the space labeled "movie search" at the top of the page.   The title and rating will appear if the motion picture is included in the license.  If it is not included, the screen will read: "There are currently no records that match your search criteria."

Q. If the movie I wish to show is not covered by the Movie Public Performance Site license what can I do?

You may contact Swank Motion Pictures, (800)876-5577, or another such company, and ask for the cost to show the film one time only.  They will let you know the amount and you can decide if your library has the funds to pay for a one time license for that specific title.

This project was supported in part by the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act, and/or state funding appropriated by the Nebraska legislature, granted and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.