What is Kanopy? 

Kanopy is a video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films ─ titles of unique social and cultural value from The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Media Education Foundation, and thousands of independent filmmakers. 

Can I stream a film in class or at an event? 

The purchase of a Kanopy film title license (covering 1 to 3 years), includes public performance rights through the platform. The library does not handle any viewing or screening rights/fees. 

Per KSU Libraries guidelines, KSU Libraries does not purchase audio/visual materials in physical formats. KSU Libraries does not negotiate with vendors for public viewing rights of DVD content, nor does it pay any associated licensing fees. 

When will KSU purchase the Kanopy license? 

The library will typically order a film within 1-5 business days if funds are available. The library is limited by yearly budgets that are determined at the beginning and end of the fiscal year. 

Please submit inquiries to the library purchase request form (or directly through Kanopy’s “Request for Access” form on currently-unavailable videos) and library staff will be in touch. 

What is the price for a Kanopy license? 

It typically costs $150 per title to acquire a 1-year Kanopy license, but prices vary. 

What other streaming databases does KSU subscribe to? 

In addition to Kanopy, the library system also subscribes to Swank Digital Campus, Digital Theatre+, Academic Video Online (AVON),  Alexander Street Press, American History in Video, Theatre In Video, and Dance in Video.