About video streaming

How can I prepare for my course?

1. Request a D2L Brightspace course page if you don't already have one (only the primary instructor listed in UAccess can submit D2L requests). 
2. Request a streaming video. Requests are prioritized by the "date needed by" that is specified in the form.

How will I be notified whether requested videos are available?

We will notify instructors by email. We receive many requests for videos and prioritize them by the "date needed by" specified on the request form. To check on the status of a particular request, email lbry-askddt@email.arizona.edu.

If requested films are available from the library, we'll provide links to the videos (see instructions for adding links to D2L). If they aren’t, we’ll provide links to other low-cost options for students. 

Do I need to submit video requests every semester/session?

Yes! This is very important. If you plan to use video in your course, you need to submit a new request for all videos every semester/session (even if you've used the videos before). Certain films – from Kanopy in particular – can only be licensed for limited periods of time and we need to ensure that our license covers your term. Links used in previous semesters may not work. When you submit a new request each semester, we will send you a current link.

How do I request a large number of videos?

A new request needs to be submitted for each video you're using in class each semester. However, if a class is using multiple videos, you can save time by using the back button on your computer. After you submit the first request and get to the "request received" screen, use your back button. Replace the About the video/film fields with information about the next video, then submit again. You won't need to retype About your course information. 

Can I use videos previously streamed through Panopto?

No. Changes in the commercial marketplace mean that further use of this streaming content violates U.S. Copyright Law. On Dec. 14, 2018, all of these files were deleted from D2L Brightspace course sites. If you need a film for course use, submit a new request.

I want to watch a Kanopy video but it isn’t required for course use. What are my options?

Due to the high cost and short licensing terms of Kanopy videos, we can only buy Kanopy licenses for videos that are required for course use. If you want to preview a Kanopy video, use it for research, or view it individually, check Kanopy Streaming Video to see if the film has already been licensed for another course. If the title appears in the videos you can request for your library section, we do not have a license for it. Please don’t fill out Kanopy’s form to request the film. Try the following options instead:

• Check library search to see if the film is immediately available from a different library database (see search instructions under How can I find out what film titles the library already has in streaming format?).
• Pima County Public Library (PCPL) offers its cardholders free access to 10 Kanopy films a month. Use PCPL’s search box to see if a particular title is available (Kanopy contents vary for academic and public libraries). You just need a free PCPL library card to view PCPL’s Kanopy videos online.
• PCPL also lends DVDs. With your PCPL card, you can request a hold on a DVD and arrange for future pickup at the PCPL branch that’s most convenient for you.
• Request a purchase if you’d like us to consider adding the DVD version to the UA Libraries’ collection.

If you have questions about using Kanopy videos, contact your librarian.

How can I find out what film titles the library already has in streaming format?

Browse our streaming video databases. You can also use library search to find known titles. Paste or type the film title in the library search box, select Title from the drop-down menu, then select the Search button. On the results page, you can limit results to streaming videos and DVDs by selecting Audio Visual from Type of material (you may need to select Show More to display all available material types).

Can I use my Netflix subscription to show a film in class?

It depends. One-time educational use of some Netflix documentaries is covered by the service's educational viewing license. To find out which titles are available for educational screenings, go to the "Only On Netflix" section of media.netflix.com. From there, navigate to "All Alphabetical." If your film is on the list, you (the instructor) will need to access it in the classroom via your Netflix account. If you want your students to view the film on their own time outside the classroom, the educational viewing license doesn't apply. Each student will need to access the film using their own Netflix account.

What if I want students to watch just part of a video?

Some of our video databases offer a way to create clips or link to specific sections of a video. Films on Demand breaks videos into hyperlinked segments. In Academic Video Online (Alexander Street Press), look for the scissors icon to make a clip (requires log-in). Another option is to give students the start/stop times ("watch from 0:36 to 1:24," for example).

What if I want to use a DVD, Blu-ray, or VHS?

All computers in centrally scheduled classrooms have DVD readers. If you need either Blu-ray or VHS, request that through Classroom Technology Services (621-3852). If you're teaching in a department- or college-controlled room, please check with the supporting college IT department to understand what your options are for using a DVD or Blu-ray player.

Contact us

Technical questions about our video streaming service:
Contact us by email
By phone: (520) 621-6438

Questions about video streaming policy:
Contact your librarian
By phone: (520) 307-2771

Questions about video playback or D2L Brightspace:
Contact 24/7 IT Support Center 
By phone: (520) 626-TECH