Streaming Video Collections

What streaming collections does the Library have?

• Click here to see the list of current streaming video platforms. 

Is the film I want to include in my course available for streaming?

• Most films are searchable in our online catalog.  Librarians can double-check or are happy to search for particular titles for you.

How do I request a film for my course?

• Email McQuadeAcquisitions@Merrimack.edu to request a video. Please indicate the course the film will be used in and when you will need it.  

• Please note that some films are not available via streaming to libraries (e.g. most content on Netflix, Hulu, HBO MAX, etc...) or the cost of streaming rights may be prohibitive. 

I thought we had access to a film but now I can't find it?

• The film licenses the Library purchases are mainly one-year licenses and need to be renewed each year they are used. Please check with us each semester to make sure your film is still active.

Can  Library licensed videos be used in class, linked to in Canvas, or posted on my syllabus?

• Yes, you can add stable or permanent links to Canvas, and other learning management systems, create playlists for students to access, and more. 

Can I stream a film in my online class?

• Streaming a video may diminish video and audio quality through conferencing software such as Zoom. In addition, some streaming platforms have copyright protection and encryption which prevents it from playing on the conferencing platforms.  We recommend 

  having students watch the film independently, outside of class and discuss the film during class meeting times.

Can I share videos with students through Zoom?

• Licensing restrictions may prohibit the screening and recording of videos via Zoom. Some streaming services use encryption or other copyright protection measures to block video or audio from being shared via Zoom. Consider asking students to access videos on their own devices or in a separate browser window during the Zoom sessions. 

Can McQuade Library get a Netflix institutional account?

• Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney, and other commercial vendors do not allow institutional subscriptions. Libraries can not legally provide access to these platforms.   

Can I use my personal streaming service to share videos with students?

• No.  End User License Agreements (EULAs) in the form of “click-through” agreements required to access personal streaming video subscription services are legal contracts that override fair use and other exemptions to the use of copyrighted materials. EULAs for personal subscription services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime restrict individual subscribers to private, non-commercial use only, explicitly prohibiting screening in classrooms or for public performances. 
• The exception - Netflix Original documentaries with a GRANT OF PERMISSION FOR EDUCATIONAL SCREENINGS. Please contact the Library to determine if a Netflix film has Education Screening rights.

Can the Library convert my physical media (DVDs) into streaming?

• Due to copyright, licensing, and other issues, McQuade is unable to convert media—either owned by the Library or by individual faculty—such as VHS tapes and DVDs into streaming format.