Ask the NJIT Library

Quick guide (see below for more extended answers to Frequently Asked Questions):

• Read the Streaming Media Licensing Guidelines for NJIT Courses.

• Films are licensed from Kanopy and Swank.

• NJIT Libraries are only able to license, not purchase, streaming media. 

• Licenses are generally one year in length.

• Film licensing is complex. For more information, questions, etc. please get in touch with an NJIT Librarian.

1. Can an instructor show Netflix (Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.) films in the classroom? 

In a nutshell, no. 

Netflix, and other such consumer-oriented streaming platforms, only sell personal accounts to the material they license for consumer use. Netflix terms of use do not allow for certain types of use, including classroom use. This is why, if you want to show streaming media in class, you need the library to see if we can provide a license for it from a company that licenses films for classroom viewing.

If you would like students to view films individually from consumer-oriented streaming services such as Netflix, one option is to request that each of your students to purchase individual subscriptions. 

Netflix does, however, have a list of documentaries which they allow instructors to show in class one time. See Netflix’s Educational Screening of Documentaries for more information.

2. How do I request a streaming media license from Kanopy or Swank? 

Fill out the streaming media request form. Requests made 30+ days before the start of the semester will be given priority. See the Streaming Media Licensing for Courses Guidelines for more information. 

3. How long will it take before my video (from Kanopy or Swank) is available after I request it?  

Licenses for classroom viewing are often one year in length. In order to maximize viewing time for a course, films may not be licensed and available for streaming until 30 days before the semester begins. 

4. How will I find out if my film has been selected? 

You will get an email from either your department library liaison or the Electronic Resources and Discovery Librarian.

5. Streaming media can be complicated: there are different rules for in-class use, personal use, online course use, etc. How can I get guidance on using streaming media in my class? 

Our research guide on intellectual property covers general information, but with most copyright issues the answer is: “it depends!” Please reach out to us. We’re happy to work with you to accomplish your curricular goals.

6. What are some alternatives to Alternatives to NJIT Library Licensing?

• Newark Public Library  provides access to Hoopla & Kanopy to those who hold a Newark Public Library card. NJIT students, faculty and staff are all eligible for a Newark Public Library card. 
• DVDs: We will do our best to obtain a streaming license for a film, but a DVD copy may be a potential last resort alternative. Subject to 17 U.S.C. §110(1), this DVD can be used, “by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to-face teaching … in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction”. Other uses may require obtaining public performance rights.
• Media Repository: The Library may be able to obtain licenses for streaming media for use directly from a media repository such as Kaltura or Panopto. Additionally, under 17 U.S.C. §110(2), “reasonable and limited portions” of a film may be made available for streaming, under certain conditions outlined in the TEACH Act of 2002. Fair use doctrine may also apply.  Ask a librarian for additional information.

7. How can I learn more about the current state of streaming media in university libraries?

To learn more about this ever changing market, read a 2022 report from  Ithaka – Streaming Media Licensing and Purchasing Practices at Academic Libraries.