In June 2025, Learning Systems staff began working to bring existing media in the Secured Media Library (SML) 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 they are 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 University Libraries.
- Request that University Libraries purchase titles that are not currently available.
- If University Libraries is 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
First consider if a film currently streaming through University Libraries platforms such as Kanopy, Swank, and others meets 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 University Libraries.
Consider using the expertise of subject librarians to locate alternative titles to meet your course objectives.
If a feature film is available through Swank, University Libraries can often make the film available in 24-48 hours.
Please be aware it may take several days to hear back from University Libraries about the availability of your title.
Explore commercial streaming options
If University Libraries is unable to purchase a streaming license for a title or make other arrangements to make the title available, and 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 Requirements
Learning Systems staff will process your remediation request if University Libraries and commercial platforms have been explored and if it meets the requirements listed below.
- The media is required to achieve teaching and learning outcomes for an academic course.
- Asynchronous viewing is required to meet the course's learning objectives. Media meant for in-classroom 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-classroom viewing should be made available through the University Libraries course reserve.
- Use of the media falls under copyright best practices for teaching and learning. 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 the return. Please allow us two business days to process your title return request.