The University Libraries aims to support curricular streaming needs, but the high cost of acquiring licenses for streaming videos imposes some limitations on what we are able to provide. Policies around streaming media licenses may change from semester to semester based on available funding.
Please consider non-streaming options (such as DVDs), as well as streaming videos that are already available through the Libraries’ system, before requesting that the Libraries acquire the rights to stream new titles.
- Browse our streaming media databases from the Databases A-Z list.
- Use Library Search to find videos in the library catalog and online by limiting their keyword search by Resource Type to Videos.
- Browse our DVD titles. There are external DVD and Blu-ray players (USB/USB-C) available for 24-hr. checkout from the Circulation Desk in the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.
If the Libraries does not have the video you wish to use, we can purchase limited-term streaming licenses for courses (as the budget allows) with the following parameters:
- Must be part of a University degree-granting program.
- Must be required viewing for the entire class.
- Limit of 5 new streaming titles per course.
- Titles are purchased on a “first come, first serve” basis until the annual streaming budget is expended.
Note:
- Licensing streaming content can take weeks/months to finalize, so please plan ahead.
- Some videos may not be available. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu do not license their original content for academic use. Netflix has made a selection of documentary features and series openly available on the Netflix U.S. YouTube channel.
To request a video, complete our media request form. We will only consider requests from instructors.
Streaming video purchasing platforms
| Availability | Vendor | Estimated timeline | Cost | Number of simultaneous users | Captions available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available for License | Kanopy | 1 week | $150 / year | Unlimited | Yes |
| Available for License | Swank | 1 week | $150 / year | Unlimited | Yes |
| Available for License | Alexander Street Press | 1 week | $199+ / year | Unlimited | Yes |
| Available for License | Docuseek2 | 2 weeks | $250 / year | Unlimited | Yes |
| Available for License | Good Docs | 2 weeks | $559+ for perpetual streaming | Unlimited | Yes |
Regarding captions
Occasionally captions are not available until requested. This may affect the timeline and impact the cost for licensing. We always check for captions and request them immediately if necessary. If captions are unavailable for a film, and the streaming platform cannot add them, we will not be able to license a film, as the Libraries must comply with state accessibility requirements.