Streaming Video Database Information for Courses
The Libraries license a substantial amount of streaming video content that can be utilized in courses. The licensing models for each of these databases can vary widely. Below you will find information on our largest streaming video databases including which databases accept individual film requests and public performance rights information.
Individual films can be found searching the library catalog. A full list of streaming video databases can be found in our database library.
If you cannot find the content you are looking for please submit a request.
Streaming video service of documentaries and films across diverse subjects and disciplines. Access to Criterion Collection, Media Education Foundation Collection and California Newsreel Collection.
- Individual film requests: Yes, at anytime during the year. Films are typically able to be licensed in 1 and 3 year increments
- Public Performance Rights: Yes, as long as the film is being shown on campus and no admission or fees are charged
- Expiration dates: Varies. We typically license individual films in 1 or 3 year increments with the option to renew as long as Kanopy is distributing the film. Some Kanopy content is part of a package of films.
Streaming video collection of commercial and independent films and documentaries.
- Individual film requests: Yes, but only on a semester basis. When we add a film from Swank we have to remove another film so we will only be making changes to Swank content at the beginning of each semester.
- To access the full Swank Digital Campus catalog you will need to create an instructor account
- Please submit requests directly to us and not in the Swank platform.
- The deadline to submit Swank requests is 2 weeks before the beginning of the semester. We may not be able to fulfill all requests. Requests made after the deadline will be considered only if we have not reached our total number of films.
- Public Performance Rights: No. Swank content must be used only for courses. The films can be streamed in the classroom or assigned for asynchronous viewing by your enrolled students. Using Swank titles for purposes other than instruction, such as a public showing or student org event could result in campus losing access to all Swank content.
- Expiration dates: We will be making changes to Swank content at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. There is no guarantee that the film will stay active into a new semester. Please let us know if you plan to use a film through Swank every semester by filling out the request form.
- Other information: Swank reserves the right to request more information about the course using a film. Library staff will connect you with Swank if we need more information to submit your request.
Collection of almost 70,000 streaming videos spanning a wide range of subject areas including anthropology, business, counseling, film, health, history, music, and more.
- Individual film requests: No
- Public Performance Rights: Yes, as long as the film* is being shown on campus and no admission or fees are charged. *Excludes National Theatre titles.
- Expiration dates: Academic Video Online can add and remove content at their discretion. The libraries subscribe to this database on a yearly basis
Streaming video collection of independent, social-issue and environmental films from renowned leaders in documentary film distribution.
- Individual film requests: Yes
- Public Performance Rights: Yes, as long as the film is being shown on campus and no admission or fees are charged
- Expiration dates: Varies. Some collections in Docuseek have been purchased and the libraries retain perpetual access to the titles, while some individual titles are leased for 1 or 3 years.
25,000 Streaming educational videos on a variety of academic areas of study provided by many producers (BBC, National Geographic, PBS, etc.).
- Individual film requests: No
- Public Performance Rights: Yes, as long as no admission or fees are charged
- Expiration dates: Films on Demand can add and remove content at their discretion. The libraries subscribe to this database in coordination with the Universities of Wisconsin.
Alexander Street Streaming Video Collections
The libraries have access to a number of collections in Alexander Street, providing access to thousands of films on a wide variety of topics.
- Some Alexander Street collections licensed through the Libraries:
- Individual film requests: No
- Public Performance Rights: Yes, as long as the film* is being shown on campus and no admission or fees are charged. *Excludes titles in the Film Platform Collection and National Theatre titles.
- Expiration dates: Varies. The libraries have purchased some collections in Alexander Street and have perpetual access, while others are subscribed to on an annual basis and may have titles move in and out of the collection.