Copyright can feel like a minefield - full of assumptions, myths, and “we’ve always done it this way” habits that don’t always hold up.
This introductory session provides school librarians with a clear, practical grounding in copyright law and licensing. We'll look at their applications to everyday school library practice from photocopying and streaming, to ebooks, displays and the fast-moving questions raised by AI.
This webinar will work through real scenarios that you may encounter day to day in your school library and enable you to make sound judgements, ask the right questions, and know where to turn for further guidance. It is designed to reinforce the professional autonomy and expertise school librarians already bring to their role.
As an introductory session, this is intended as a starting point rather than the final word. We will gather feedback afterwards to understand where members want deeper support.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Explain the key principles of UK copyright law as they apply to schools, including what’s protected, how long protection lasts, and the main myths that lead to unintentional infringement… and be able to answer confidently all those awkward questions we may be asked by members of the school community!
- Identify which educational exceptions and licences apply to common school library activities such as photocopying, scanning, streaming, recording broadcasts, and public performance.
- Recognise the copyright risks specific to library practice, including ebooks/audiobooks, displays, newsletters, social media, and author visits, and apply sound judgement to grey areas, especially those evoked by AI.
- Locate the right source of guidance (NEU, CLA, ERA, CILIP, school DPO) for questions beyond the scope of this introductory session.
Suitable for: librarian members
Can’t make it? Don’t worry! If you are unable to attend, still register to receive a recording link and watch within 14 days
