Explore current resources
Before a title is considered for the Secured Media Library (SML), instructors should first:
- Search for titles that are currently available through the University Libraries
- Request that the University Libraries purchase titles that are not currently available
- If the University Libraries are unable to purchase a streaming license for a title, instructors should see if the title is streaming on any commercial platform
Expand each section below for additional information.
Search current library streaming media
Instructors should first consider if a film currently streaming through University Libraries platforms such as Kanopy, Swank, and others meet your course objectives.
Contact the University Libraries help desk if you have any issues accessing University Libraries resources.
Request streaming media through University Libraries
If a title is not currently available through the library catalog, additional films may be available through Swank by request from the University Libraries.
Consider using the expertise of subject librarians to locate alternative titles to meet course objectives.
If a feature film is available through Swank, the University Libraries can often make the film available in 24-48 hours.
Please be aware it may take several days to hear back from the University Libraries about the availability of your title.
Explore commercial streaming options
If the University Libraries are unable to purchase a streaming license for a title or make other arrangements to make the title available, faculty should explore whether the title is currently streaming through pay-per-view or subscription streaming platforms.
Each platform will have a different license agreement. We encourage you to read the terms of use for each license and consider fair use factors.
SML restrictions and supported formats
The SML will process your media if University Libraries and commercial platforms have been explored and if it does not fall under the restrictions listed below.
Content restrictions
The SML will not process the following content:
- Digital files purchased from iTunes, Amazon, or other retailers
- TV series, including single episodes
- Disney owned content including Marvel Studios, Lucasfilms, Pixar, 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Touchstone, etc.
- Media owned by public libraries or by OhioLINK institutions
- For accessibility reasons, new content cannot be made available if we are unable to process subtitles.
Policy restrictions
- You may request up to 5 new media additions per course per semester.
- The media is required to achieve teaching and learning objectives for an academic course.
- Media meant for in-class viewings should use a physical DVD. Contact OTDI Classroom Services to confirm your classroom has the ability to play DVDs.
- Media intended for students who missed an in-class viewing should be made available through the University Libraries course reserve.
Supported formats
- Original (not copied) DVDs and Blu-ray discs purchased by faculty.
- Non-Region 1 DVDs in PAL or SECAM can be processed.
All discs must be provided in protective cases to reduce the possibility of accidental damage to your media.
For copyright purposes, your physical discs must remain in the possession of OTDI while it is available in the SML.
Fair use considerations
Streaming for Educational Objectives
Allowances under U.S. COPYRIGHT LAW
We will process your title if it does not fall under the previous restrictions and it is required to achieve teaching and learning objectives for an academic course.
For more information on copyright, visit Copyright Services at the University Libraries:
Time required to add a title
All new SML titles require a minimum of two weeks from when the physical media is received.
During high-demand times, such as the beginning of the semester, please allow as much additional time as possible.
Providing media
An SML staff member will contact you to arrange for your media drop-off.
Returning media
To have your media returned to you, fill out the title return request and we will arrange for their return. Please allow two business days for us to process your title return request.