The UNO Criss Library offers the conversion and streaming of VHS tapes, DVDs, and Blu-Rays for UNO classes.
Beginning in Spring 2027, Criss Library will discontinue its faculty video digitization service. This decision reflects our commitment to copyright and accessibility best practices amid ongoing staffing shortages. Subject specialist faculty librarians will collaborate with teaching faculty to support a smooth transition.
Requests for Spring and Summer 2026 will be processed as usual. Limited access will remain available through the end of Fall 2026 for previously digitized materials to support the transition period. The service and all associated links will be retired in December 2026.
Key information and dates for Fall 2026:
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Requests for Fall 2026 link creation will open on April 13, 2026
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Titles requested for Fall 2026 must have been previously digitized and requested for use in a prior course section
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No new physical media will be digitized
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The request form will close on June 30, 2026
For streaming video needs going forward, faculty are encouraged to:
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Consult with subject specialist faculty librarians to identify streaming alternatives
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Search Criss Library's streaming video database subscriptions
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Request purchases of individual streaming titles when available
We understand that this change may require adjustments to course materials or assignments and appreciate your flexibility during this transition. For further information, please contact Discover Services Director Kris Tuel (ktuel@unomaha.edu) or Director of Research and Instruction Services Tammi Owens (tammiowens@unomaha.edu).
Using the Faculty Video Streaming Service
This service offers an accessible alternative to library reserve or in-class viewing.
Streaming media created this way is password-protected and accessible only during the semester and class section it is requested. Media is removed from storage and access is revoked at the end of each semester.
Additional Information
- Media accessed by InterLibrary Loan cannot be digitized.
- If we have previously digitized a specific media request for your class, please allow 2-5 full business day for us to confirm, prepare, and send out a new link to the existing media for use.
- If your digitization and streaming request is of a new video we have not yet processed or is on a Blu-ray disc, please allow three 5-9 business days PER DISC for processing prior to the streaming link being available for access.
- Digitization prep will not be started until a request form is completed in full and media is in hand.
- Media is prepared on a first-in-first-out basis from fully complete requests independent of need-by date.
- It should be clearly stated in your request how the video is pedagogically necessary to the class. Faculty will only need to submit the form and materials once during the academic year. However, instructors are responsible for submitting an updated syllabus if significant changes are made.
- Links will be automatically disabled at the end of each semester.
- For previously digitized media, faculty must submit a new request for an active link prior to the start of the semester. Previously used links will show a 404 status unless an updated link is requested. The longest any link will remain active is four (4) months from the start of the semester is was requested, and only if requested for fall, spring, and summer semesters of the academic calendar year.
- Example: Links made active for this fall semester will NOT be usable the following fall semester unless a new request is made.
CPL Staff will email a hyperlink and unique password to the @uno faculty contact you provide in the form prior to the start of the semester if requested early, or as soon as possible if the semester is currently active. Faculty are responsible for posting the provided link to your class Canvas for students to access. Students will need their NUID and unique link password to access the video.
For additional information, please view our Policy Document.