Kanopy FAQ

What changed with Kanopy?

The Brandeis Library recently started mediating all new licenses through the Kanopy request form. We took this step in response to the increasing cost of the service, which has more than doubled over the past year and is no longer sustainable. Going forward, you will need to make a request to access new Kanopy titles. Read the Library's statement on the changes to Kanopy: http://www.brandeis.edu/library/about/news-events/news/kanopy-changes.html.

How do I know what Kanopy films we have access to now?

You have two options:

Best option: Check OneSearch (http://search.library.brandeis.edu) – If you find a video from Kanopy in OneSearch, we have access to it! Underneath the link, you’ll find info about when our license expires. If you see that the license expires before you want to use it in class, let us know. We can purchase another license ahead of time. Email libacq@brandeis.edu with the film information, your course name, and when you need the film.

Second option: Check Kanopy – When you’re in Kanopy, if you can play a film, we have it! Before deciding to use a film in your class, check OneSearch (http://search.library.brandeis.edu) to see when we will lose access.

• When you are doing a search or browsing in Kanopy, the films we have leased appear at the top, and the films you can request appear at the bottom of the page in a “videos you can request for your library” section.

What can I request from Kanopy?

The Brandeis Library will license films for use in coursework and research. We will not lease films for recreational or general viewing.

How do I request a new Kanopy film?

If you click on a film title in Kanopy and see a request form, we don’t currently have access. Fill out the request form and it will be sent to library staff to process. Please make your request at least 3 business days before you need the filmIn your request message, please include the following information.

• The course name and number for which you will use the film OR if you need the film for academic research purposes
• Whether you would like a 1 or a 3 year lease. Base this on your anticipated course offerings and use of the film.

What happens after I make the request? How long will it take to get the film?

The request is forwarded to library staff. They will double check that we don’t already own the title in another streaming media collection. After that, they will make the purchase in Kanopy. It takes at least one business day for the order to be processed and the film to be available.

If you make a request on the weekend or after hours, it will not be ordered until the next business day.

What if we have a film but the lease expires before I want to use it?

If you see that the license expires before you want to use it in class, let us know. We can purchase another license ahead of time. Email libacq@brandeis.edu with the film information, your course name, and when you need the film.

Questions? Please contact libacq@brandeis.edu and we’ll be in touch!