WSU libraries limit use of online film service to save money

Faculty members, students must file request form to access movies

Holland+and+Terrell+libraries+will+no+longer+operate+until+midnight+starting+this+semester

OLIVER MCKENNA

Holland and Terrell libraries will no longer operate until midnight starting this semester

SYDNEY BROWN, Evergreen reporter

WSU faculty members will now have to file a request form in order to access a Kanopy Film Service movie. 

Kanopy is an online platform used by WSU to allow classes to watch films together at no cost to the student. Library officials switched to a request-based format to save money, according to a press release.

Joel Cummings, WSU Libraries head of collection development, said the school previously paid for Kanopy based on an annual cost model. 

“If the whole class [was] watching it, we would only have to pay the bill once,” Cummings said.

Faculty interested in licensing a specific movie can fill out a request form, according to the press release. Movies requested for more than a year will need to get licensing approval at the beginning of each semester. WSU library employees will determine whether it can be licensed in time for the assignment. 

Cummings said student services, such as online journals and e-books, are still available for WSU students. People can now check books out virtually and also fill out a request form if looking for a Kanopy film.