Library Answers

Due to budget constraints, D’Amour Library is now mediating all Kanopy titles. 

Kanopy’s pricing model differs from Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms. Kanopy does not operate on a monthly or annual fee, but charges per view of each title. If a film is viewed in Kanopy for as little as 30 seconds, it counts as a “view.” After three views, D’Amour is billed for the license, anywhere between $120-$280. At the end of the year, the number of views resets. Essentially, with Kanopy, D’Amour is leasing titles on a year-to-year basis.  

Given increased costs, the library budget cannot sustain a model where students and faculty can freely view any film in the Kanopy collection. Therefore, it was necessary to change to a mediated model where Librarians approve all Kanopy usage in advance.  

Where possible, we ask you to consider using alternatives to Kanopy, such as Films on Demand, free or commercial streaming options, or the library’s DVD collection. This helps to ensure that funding is available for curricular needs, for films only available via Kanopy, and for individuals in need of closed captioning. 

Who can request a film on Kanopy?  

Faculty may request films for course use or for academic research. For budgetary reasons, we cannot lease films for recreational or general viewing or for sampling small portions of multiple films.  

Students cannot request films directly, but we encourage students to reach out to their instructor if they would like access to a particular film for curricular needs.  

How do I request a license for a Kanopy film? 

If you click on a film title in Kanopy and see the Kanopy request form, D’Amour has not yet purchased access for the current year. All you need to do is fill out the request form and it will be sent to the library to process.   

Please make your request at least 5 business days before you need the film. In your request message, please include the course name and number for which you will use the film. 

What happens after I make the request? How long will it take to get the film?  

Librarians will review all requests. Librarians will check to see if the title is available on another platform, such as Films on Demand.  

All purchases are at the Library's discretion. Once a title purchase is approved by the Library, it will take 24 hours for it to become available in Kanopy. Once the film is available, a Librarian will email you a link to your film.  

What do I do if I want to show the same film across multiple semesters?  

If based on your anticipated course offerings and past film usage, you anticipate showing a particular film on a regular basis, we can purchase a 3-year license for a film.  

Three-year licenses will be purchased at the library’s discretion. If you are interested in a 3-year license, include this information in the request form.  

How do I find other media options to use in my classes? 

You can search the library's catalog for DVDs held by our library or for titles available for streaming through Films on Demand.