Mediated Access to Kanopy Now Available

UNO Libraries have been offering unlimited Kanopy access since early 2015. On July 1, 2021 Kanopy films at UNO Libraries transitioned from unlimited access to mediated access. This transition will help us manage costs while maintaining access to films supporting our curriculum. We are not alone in our decision; many other peer institution libraries have already made this switch.

What does this mean for UNO faculty?

Film purchases from the Kanopy catalog will need to be approved by UNO Libraries staff. Any currently licensed films will be available for immediate streaming and can be found by searching for the title through Kanopy directly or through the catalog search bar on the library’s home page. Faculty will fill out an online form to request films not already licensed. Streaming rights are $150 per film, so library staff will request a syllabus to verify that the film is required for the curriculum. Newly mediated films will be searchable in the catalog within two weeks of approval.

What if I currently use Kanopy films?

If you have been using persistent links to Kanopy films or embedding them in your Canvas courses they will remain available through the license duration, generally a one-year period starting from the month of initial access. If you are unsure of when a film’s license might expire, email your subject specialist librarian and they can check on it for you.

How do I request a film for my class?

Search the Kanopy catalog and click the request button next to any film not currently licensed with UNO Libraries. In the message field please list the course name and number for which the film will be required viewing. A member of the library staff will send an email request for your syllabus. You may also email your subject specialist librarian the syllabus in advance, and they will check for availability on our various streaming platforms. If you do not see a button to request the film it has an active license.

How long do the licenses last?

Kanopy offers one-year licenses for their films. However, some films are available to purchase with a perpetual/permanent license. If you plan to use the same film over the course of several years, please let us know as a perpetual license can sometimes offer a greater value than repeated one-year licenses.