This page is intended to create guidance for faculty who are looking for video streaming options for the classroom and/or homework assignments.
Currently Available Streaming Services
See our Open Educational Resources guide to find freely available video resources.
Do you have questions or cannot find what you need?
Email askalibrarian@clarkson.edu
Copyright
The biggest factor in deterining how to show a video to your students is probably copyright considerations; unfortunately, copyright limits your options for classroom videos.
Common Copyright Questions
Can I show a DVD or Blu-Ray video in my classroom?
Yes, as long as it is for classroom instruction and no admission fee is charged.
Can I show a DVD or Blu-Ray video in a non-classroom context?
Generally not, unless permission has been obtained from the copyright holder.
Can I Stream a Netflix (or other streaming service) Video in My Classroom?
If you are using a video streaming service licensed through the library or your department that is intended for that purpose, yes.
What about personal streaming services?
Netflix does allow some films to be shown in an educational context under certain conditions. See their page here for details. You can search media.netflix.com to see which films may be shown by educators.
However, make sure you are using approved films only, as most user agreements do not allow public screenings.
Based on the Netflix Terms of Use, viewings are for “personal” use only and you will be expected to follow these terms. These terms supersede copyright law; therefore, you must abide by these terms even if you suspect you could make a case under Fair Use.
If you wish to use a streaming service to show a video in your classroom using a personal subscription, you will need to check your user agreement to see if it prohibits you from using it for a public showing.
For more information and other copyright questions, please visit our Copyright Basics page or see our Common Copyright Questions page.