WKU Libraries currently licenses streaming video through the collections listed on this page. If you can't find the film you want, request a license for any film in their catalog (Kanopy complete catalog) (Swank complete catalog), or contact your subject librarian to see if the publisher offers a streaming license.
Streaming video platform for feature films. Additional titles available by request.
We recognize that WKU faculty utilize audio, images and videos as part of their teaching and instructional material for their courses. However, we must be mindful of the copyright implications of doing so. In this page, we provide a brief summary of the relevant copyright laws before listing options for procuring streaming or digitized content for class usage.
US Copyright law (Title 17 of the United States Code) exists to protect the intellectual property of copyright holders. Section 110(1) permits display and performance of copyrighted material for educational purposes in a face-to-face classroom. Section 110(2) covers display and performance of copyrighted material in online classes. These laws were updated in 2002 under the TEACH Act, which provides guidelines for the transmission of digital content. Fair Use (section 107 of the code) makes exceptions to copyright restrictions based on four factors:
Can I show a film in a face-to-face class?
You can show a film for educational purposes in a face-to-face educational setting if it is on DVD or streaming through WKU Libraries (or if you have purchased a streaming license). Personal subscriptions to streaming services such as Hulu, HBO, and Prime Video typically only permit private use.
Can I show a film in an online class?
WKU Libraries offer several streaming video options and can add licensed titles by request. Under certain circumstances CITL may digitize a DVD (see above for our digitization policy). Personal subscriptions to streaming services such as Hulu, HBO, and Prime Video typically only permit private use.
Can I host an in-person screening for a film?
Public performance rights must be purchased separately from educational licenses. You can show a DVD or stream a film from WKU Libraries if it relates to course curriculum and if viewing takes place in a classroom or similar instructional space. Personal subscriptions to streaming services such as Hulu, HBO, and Prime Video typically only permit private use.
