Copyrighted film and video must be licensed for streaming or online use in classes - even if we own the film on tape or disc. The University of Iowa Libraries works with several vendors to stream film for classes and licenses vary by vendor. 

• Check our streaming video sources for films to which we already have access that will accomplish your educational goal. Alexander Street Video includes counseling and therapy videos, some TV documentaries, newsreels and other TV content. Swank Digital Campus focuses on Hollywood movies while Kanopy focuses on international films, classics and some documentaries. Pay attention to the duration of the license, often listed by the vendor and in InfoHawk+.
• Work with your Subject Librarian to find relevant videos and other material for your course.

The Libraries receives many requests for streaming video throughout the semester. Requests are processed in the order they are received. There are a few steps that can be taken before requesting the movies that can make the process more efficient and help ensure that the resources for the course will be available when needed:

• Request materials early, but be aware of the number of requests you are making to help ensure equal access for all instructional courses.
• Check InfoHawk+ and Swank to see if the title is available through the Libraries in the desired format. Movies available through Swank do not show up in InfoHawk+ search results. Please, check the Swank database directly.
• Check movies' expiration date and request their renewal if needed

Request streaming of a movie that the Libraries owns in DVD/Blu-Ray/VHS

Add the DVD/Blu-Ray/VHS title to your reading list and add the "Electronic Item Purchase Request" tag (click on "Add tags to item" and scroll down to see that option)

Request streaming video of a movie that the Libraries does not own

1. Add the movie to the reading list using the Cite It! bookmarklet or via "Manual entry." We recommend adding the movie from IMDB with the Cite It! option.
2. Add the "Electronic Item Purchase Request" tag.

We encourage instructors to request books, films, or other media they need for their research or for use in class.