In June 2025, Learning Systems staff began working to bring existing media in the Secured Media Library into compliance with the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Films that did not meet the new accessibility standards were taken offline and will be returned to their owners beginning in 2027, if not remediated before then. If a film you want to use in your class is offline in the SML, review all options for streaming media before beginning the remediation process.
Explore current resources
Before committing to remediating a title 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
Learning Systems staff will process your remediation request if University Libraries and commercial platforms have been explored and if it does not fall under the restrictions listed below.
Policy restrictions
- 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 the OTDI Learning Environments Team 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.
Fair use considerations
Streaming for Educational Objectives
Allowances under U.S. COPYRIGHT LAW
We will remediate 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:
Returning media
To have your media returned to you, fill out the title return request, and we will arrange for their return. Please allow us two business days to process your title return request.