Ask Us

The University Library offers content from several streaming media services, including Kanopy. Kanopy films without instant access are available upon request. To request a film, you must:

• Be a current CSUDH instructor or student, 
• Have a valid CSUDH or ToroMail email address, and
• Have an educational or research based-need to access the film.

It's easy to request films! Simply browse Kanopy content at https://csudh.kanopy.com. Once you identify a film you want to watch, click the "request" link and fill out the form (pictured below). Instructors: please also include the course name and number in the "Your Message" field. The library will respond to requests via email by the end of the following business day.

Quick links to our other streaming media providers:

• AVON (Academic Video Online)
• More from other providers

Why is the library doing this?

To be frank, budget. The library does not own Kanopy content; rather, we lease access to individual films for a one-year term. After the one-year term ends, the film must be re-purchased if we want to continue access.

CSUDH Kanopy films have exploded in popularity since we started offering them, and sadly our collections budget cannot keep pace. We are therefore limiting our acquisition of films to those that will be used for academic purposes in a course (not entertainment).

Other academic and public libraries are also grappling with affording Kanopy at this time; see this NY Times article for more information. That said, both the LAPL and LA County Library systems to still offer Kanopy films to their patrons. You can learn more about using your local public libraries in our libguide here. 

How can I request a film?

Go to the Kanopy website at http://csudh.kanopy.com, navigate to your desired film, and hit the play button. If we have already leased the film it will play instantly; otherwise, a request form will pop up. Complete the form, and be sure to include your course name and number in the “Your Message” section.  We will respond to you via email ASAP. See the top of this page for more information.

I want to assign/show a Kanopy Film. How can I be sure it will be ready for viewing by the time I want to share it with my class?

We will do our utmost to respond same-day to requests submitted between our business hours of 8am – 5pm. Otherwise, we will typically respond by the end of the following business day. We ask that where possible, please submit your requests at least 2 business days in advance to ensure ample processing time.

I’m re-using a Kanopy film that I have previously taught/assigned. Will it still be available to watch now?

It depends on the date the film was first leased. Kanopy licenses last 12 months, and films must be re-purchased after they expire. To check the expiration date for specific films and ensure they are active in time for your class, please contact our Collections Librarian Nicole Wood: nwood@csudh.edu. 

Is there a limit to the number of films I can request?

The library will investigate all requests from current CSUDH affiliates (including students) for the academic use of Kanopy films. However, we ask that you consider limiting your requests to films that you explicitly assign/show to students as part of your course, and refrain from requesting “just-in-case” supplementary material that may not receive any use. Kanopy films are currently funded through the Affordable Learning Solutions initiative, and thus subject to the restrictions and purchasing caps associated with that program. 

Are there alternatives to Kanopy?

The library offers access to some other streaming video providers: Academic Video Online (AVON) is the primary one. Unlike Kanopy’s title-by-title model, the library pays a flat annual subscription fee for their content. Just as we often see with popular on-demand streaming providers like Netflix and Hulu, some films and distributors are exclusive to certain providers or databases; unfortunately if your film is restricted to certain providers we may not be able to source it for you. 

Faculty may also work with Instructional Media Services to make non-library films available to students. For more information, contact Dylan Lewis in Academic Technology: djlewis@csudh.edu.

What about DVDs?

Sorry, the library is unable to purchase DVDs at this time.