Streaming Video: Home

Streaming video options:

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

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.

Summary of relevant laws:

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:

1. Purpose and character of use (commercial or nonprofit educational)
2. Nature of the copyrighted work
3. Amount used
4. Effect on the potential market of the work

Digitization policy:

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) will only digitize a DVD if a digital version is not available for license or purchase (or, if the digital option available has technological limitations that prevent it from being used for distance education) with the following restrictions:

• CITL will only digitize content integral to the course (required materials, but not recommended materials).
• Only students currently enrolled in the course will have access to the digitized content.
• Further transmission or dissemination of the work is prohibited.
• Digitized content will include a notice about copyright.
• Content will be available to students for a limited time (7 days, once during a single semester).
• Amount digitized:
  • Entire performances of nondramatic literary or musical work
  • Reasonable and limited portions of any other work
  • An amount comparable to that which is typically displayed in the course of a live classroom session
• Prohibitions:
  • Digitizing or making available materials marketed for classroom use (textbooks or other materials typically purchased by individual students).

To request digitization, please contact CITL well in advance (at least a month prior) of the date needed for student use.

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.