The UW Tacoma Library Media Collection supports the use of streaming video across the curriculum. As part of the UW Libraries, we must obtain the rights to stream videos for classes, even if we already have a physical copy in our collection. Fortunately, the number of the streaming titles available from the UW Libraries continues to grow, and more and more distributors offer streaming licenses for their titles. Our guide to streaming video lists what’s available online and gives tips on how to search for streaming videos.
If you are new to streaming video, or would just like a refresher, please see our step-by-step instructions:
How to Find and Use Streaming Video for Teaching
We offer two services in support of streaming video. Click on the tabs below to learn about each:
The UW Libraries has a growing number of streaming titles, but it can sometimes be difficult to find them and/or know which links are the best to use for your class. To help you identify videos, our staff will search the UW Libraries collections to identify whether titles are available to be streamed and then send you links, as available, that can be used in Canvas.
We will respond within three business days to your request, providing links to those titles that are available to be streamed.
Get links to UW Restricted streaming videosWe welcome requests to purchase rights to stream videos, especially for titles you use frequently in traditional formats. We accept requests for feature films (a.k.a. popular Hollywood titles), selected television shows, and educational documentaries.
We license all streaming titles to the extent possible. The process to secure streaming rights can be time-consuming, especially if the UW Libraries must negotiate with a new distributor, and in some cases, we may be unable to get rights.
- You may expect a response from us within a week notifying you about the status of your request, but please be aware that it may take up two months to obtain rights.
- Due to staff constraints and the high cost of licensing videos, we must limit instructor requests for new streaming titles to three per class per quarter. Exceptions may be made for online classes or shared requests from two or more faculty members. (If the UW Libraries already has streaming rights, there is no limit on the number of streaming titles you can use.)