Library Video Reserves Policy
Purpose
The library supports the academic mission of Gettysburg College by providing access to video materials necessary for classroom instruction. This policy outlines the procedures and limitations regarding the acquisition, licensing, and use of video materials for course reserves. The library remains committed to supporting teaching and learning by providing access to video resources in a manner consistent with copyright law, institutional priorities, and the needs of the academic community.
Video Acquisition for Classroom Use
Streaming Video Licenses
The library will purchase licenses for streaming films required for classroom use. These may include:
- Streaming video licenses from platforms such as Kanopy, Swank, or similar academic streaming services.
- Digital site licenses for video files, which can be uploaded to stream via the College’s Panopto server with access controls via Moodle.
Physical Media
The library will acquire DVDs and/or Blu-Rays for classroom playback and student checkout. DVD/Blu-Ray players that can attach to a laptop will also be available for student library checkout. Library lab PCs also have DVD players installed. DVD players are available in many classrooms, as well.
Maximum cost: $500 per course
Copyright Compliance
Due to prohibitions imposed by applicable copyright laws, the library cannot digitize parts or the whole of physical media (e.g., DVDs or Blu-Rays) or capture video from another streaming platform for upload to Panopto.
If the library owns an out-of-print VHS tape with no other version available (streaming or physical) and a four-factor Fair Use analysis is favorable, the library may digitize the VHS (or parts of it) to stream via Panopto with access controls via Moodle.
Faculty seeking assistance with digitizing parts of DVDs or other media should contact Gettysburg College’s Educational Technology office for support.
Commercial Streaming Platforms
The library is unable to acquire streaming video exclusively available on commercial platforms like Netflix, Disney+, etc.
Faculty are encouraged to have students purchase individual subscriptions to these platforms when necessary, understanding that the offerings on such platforms can change without notice.
Conditions for Purchasing Streaming Video Licenses
- Streaming video licenses will be acquired only if the video is available on our accessible streaming services and is required viewing for the course and listed as such on the syllabus.
- Videos designated as optional, recommended, or supplemental viewing will be acquired as physical media if available.
- The library will routinely assess the relevancy of existing streaming video licenses and packages to the curriculum for renewal or cancellation.
- Maximum cost: $500 per course.
Restrictions on Usage
The library will not purchase streaming video licenses or physical media specifically for public, theatrical, or for-profit viewings.
Some library materials may include public performance rights. DVDs with public performance rights are identified in the MUSCAT Plus library catalog record (example: Jonathan Swift). Streaming films with public performance rights are described as such on the streaming platform’s film page (example: Radiant Girl).
Faculty Video Reserves Requests
- Faculty are strongly encouraged to request streaming video licenses prior to the start of each semester in order to ensure availability. Licenses often have limited duration and therefore must be researched and renewed. A minimum of 2–3 weeks' notice before the expected student viewing date is necessary in order to ensure timely availability.
- Video reserves requests must be placed each time a course uses a film. A license for one semester will not necessarily work in subsequent semesters.
- Submission of a request does not guarantee acquisition in the requested format or availability.
- Faculty should indicate their preference for streaming or physical formats when submitting requests.
Accessibility
- Most streaming video licenses and commercial DVD/Blu-ray media acquired by the library will include closed captions in the video’s spoken language(s) and English subtitles when the film is in another language.
- Students or faculty requiring accommodations for hearing or visual impairments (e.g., captions, descriptive text, or audio) should contact Gettysburg College’s Center for Student Success to discuss available options.
Policy updated by Musselman Library in consultation with Gettysburg College legal counsel
August 2025