Working with films - Language TAs - Library Orientation - Research Guides at Williams College Libraries

Use the library catalog to find what films the library owns in DVD, VHS and streamed format. You can ask the library to purchase films for the collection. Use the Suggest A Purchase form.
The library subscribes to several film streaming platforms.To learn more about each platform see the Library Streaming: Platform and Features guide. Here How to find streamed films.

Obtaining Performance Rights (for public screenings)

The library does not purchase public performance rights.

Films in the library's streaming services sometimes includes public performance rights"
- Most of the films in =Academic Video Online include PPR for non-commercial showings
- About half of the films in Kanopy include public performance rights for non-commercial showings.
If you are planning to organize a public screening for a film not in Academic Video Online and Kanopy or that is in DVD format and does include performance rights, you are required to secure public performance rights. See the Library's Public Performance Rights Guidelines page for more information.
Sometimes performance rights come bundled with the purchase of a film. When searching the library catalog, look at the "Tweak My Results" filter and check the PPR box (usually the last one of the filters)

Academic Video Online Premium This link opens in a new window
Publication Dates: 1890s-Present
Includes documentaries, interviews, performances, news programs and newsreels, field recordings, commercials, and raw footage.
Kanopy This link opens in a new window
Contains streamed documentary and feature films. International coverage. Group viewing is permitted for all films for classroom viewings. Most films can be shown for non-classroom group settings as long as the viewing is by authorized viewers and it is not for commercial benefit (i.e. no admission costs are charged and no profit is made from the screening).
Swank Digital Campus This link opens in a new window
Provides access to 1,000 of the most popular feature films used in academic courses. No public performance rights included.