LibAnswers: MCC Public FAQ

About Kanopy at MCC Libraries

Kanopy is a streaming video service offering documentaries and feature films for use in teaching and research operating on a lease license model. MCC Libraries purchases a 1-year lease license to Kanopy films. After the lease expires, the library loses access to the film unless it purchases another license. 

As of December 3, 2019 MCC Libraries shifted our access model for Kanopy streaming media from "unlimited" to "mediated". Since September 2015, MCC Libraries have provided unlimited access to the entire Kanopy streaming media collection. At the same time Kanopy has been growing in popularity. As a result, costs for Kanopy have continued to escalate significantly over time and unlimited access is no longer fiscally sustainable as annual costs become unpredictable. Streaming rights currently start at $120.00/film. Changing to mediated access will allow us to continue to make leased Kanopy streaming media available in support of the curriculum.

How do I know what Kanopy films MCC currently has access to?

Scroll down to the "Links and Files" section at the bottom of this FAQ to access an Excel file containing a list of currently leased Kanopy titles.

What is Mediated Mode and how do I request a Kanopy film to use in my course?

• Mediated Mode means that any new Kanopy lease will need to be approved by library staff.

• You will still be able to search for films in Kanopy. However, when you attempt to access a film MCC Libraries do not have a lease for you will have the option to fill out the request access form. In the message part of the form faculty should include the course name and number for which you will use the film and a need by date. Please make your request at least 1 to 3 working days before you need the film.

• You will receive a confirmation message from Kanopy letting you know that your request was received. The request is then forwarded to our Acquisitions department. Library staff will confirm that we do not own the title in Films on Demand (another streaming media collection the library subscribes to) or in our DVD collection, and will follow-up with the requestor if needed. Library staff will then make the purchase in Kanopy.

• Please allow at least 1 to 3 working days to process and order the film. If you make a request on the weekend or after hours, the lease process will begin on the next working day. You will be notified once the film is available in Kanopy to view.

What other library databases have streaming videos?

Academic Video Online (AVON) and Films on Demand are other databases MCC Libraries subscribes to that contain streaming video on a wide range of subjects. Visit the A-Z List of Databases for links to access these databases.