Skip to Main Content
Montana State University - Home Montana State University Library - Home Ask the Library

Streaming Media Resources Available From the MSU Library

Use this guide to identify and access streaming media resources for your course.

Welcome

icon of film cameraOverview

The library provides online access to streaming collections of films and videos, which can be used by faculty in courses to enhance curriculum and students and others for for assignments, research, and recreation.

Find and Access Streaming Video

Search our streaming video databases directly for the content you want.

CatSearch can also show what's already available, including physical media like our DVD collection.

These streaming video resources require you to sign-in. Having trouble? Our Getting Started with Online Resources page can help.

Select Streaming Resources

Paid for by the MSU Librarystreaming media icon

Open Access Services (Free)

filmstrip iconMaterials on these sites can be used in and outside of the classroom without violation of copyright. They have open licenses that allow the free public use or are materials that have moved into the public domain. For more about open licenses, check out our guide.

Open Culture - hosts thousands of films ranging from Classics, Noir, Independents, documentaries, and more from the beginnings of film to present. 

Internet Archive: Featured Films Collection - featured films, shorts, silent films, and trailers available for use freely.

Internet Archive: Moving Pictures Collection - over 84,000 films full-length feature films, classic shorts, world culture documentaries, World War II propaganda, movie trailers, and films created in just ten hours: These options are all featured in this diverse open access library.

Library of Congress Open Film Collection - films, news media, interviews and incredible primary source videos collected and archived since 1893.

Kanopy Access and Requests

Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video platform for libraries that offers films and documentaries.

Options for Instructors

Requesting a streaming video purchaseteaching icon

The library accepts purchase requests for streaming and analog video. However:

  • Not all films are available to purchase in streaming format for the library.
  • Some film licenses may be prohibitively expensive for the library to purchase.
  • The library can't purchase streaming videos for individual viewing (e.g., at the request of a single student).

Limitations on streaming video services

There are some limitations to how we can help:

  • The library can't convert DVDs to a digital format.
  • The library can't host streaming media files.
  • The library generally doesn't purchase content that is password-protected by the vendor.
  • The library generally doesn't purchase content with short-term access (less than a year).

Best Practices for Using Media in the Classroom

If you've searched our streaming video databases and can't find what you need:

  • Our Learning & Research Services Librarians can help. Schedule a visit with us today. We will help you find what you need.
  • Try our Open Access resources list (above) or other OER.
  • Consider asking your students to rent, purchase, or subscribe to films from a streaming platform (examples include Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, etc.).
    • Include this information in your syllabus so students have time to discover their options.
    • Link students to our ILL page or recommend they connect with local libraries to find out their affordable options.

If you found what you're looking for in our collections: