The Drew University Library seeks to provide cost-effective access to film and media content while remaining within budgetary constraints, given the significant licensing costs associated with streaming media vendors. This policy establishes the Library's approach to evaluating lower-cost alternatives before committing to film licensing, and clarifies the scope of permitted use for films acquired by the Library, including the distinction between materials licensed for classroom or individual viewing and those requiring Public Performance Rights. It exists to ensure responsible stewardship of Library resources and to set clear expectations for faculty and the University community regarding the lawful use of licensed film content.

1. Policy Statement

The Library maintains a video collection to support classroom instruction. These materials are cataloged in the Library’s online catalog. The Library acquires materials in this area at faculty request. New films are purchased in DVD format only. Films in the collection that are in VHS format will be replaced with DVDs on an as-needed basis.

Policy

• Because streaming media is expensive to license, before purchasing film licenses, the Collection Development Librarian will check the availability of the film through less expensive, alternative sources.
• If the film is available, the library will purchase the DVD (if not already owned) and request that the faculty member submit a request for the streaming link(see instructions here).
• Public performance rights
  • Films purchased by the Library are for classroom or individual viewing only. The use of any film outside of the classroom or Library Reserve may require the purchase of Public Performance Rights (PPR). The Library does not purchase DVDs with public performance rights, nor does it obtain public performance rights for films that we have purchased or licensed, although some licenses automatically include PPR. If a film is intended to be shown for a public performance, please contact Student Activities for PPR.

Procedures 

1. Kanopy
   1. Currently all Kanopy films are mediated, meaning that users must request the film through the website, and the library will evaluate whether to license it.
   2. Criteria for licensing are:
      1. Film is not available on Lumiere.
      2. Film requests from faculty for class use will be considered as a priority. Requests from students or staff are generally not considered without first consulting with faculty regarding the relevance of the film, applicability to the class as a whole, and availability in other formats. Such requests are considered on a case by case basis.
      3. Many films are also available from other streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, ITunes) for a minimal cost (usually $1.99 - $5.99 per film). The Library does not rent films from these streaming services; individual users are responsible for renting with their own accounts.
2. Swank
   1. 1. Faculty members may request the license of Swank films for use in classes. The Library will investigate all options to make the film available for users. The same criteria (a - c above) also apply to films available via Swank.
      2. See the Media LibGuide for further instructions on requesting films.