Find & Use Streaming Video

Embedding or pasting permalinks into Canvas is the best way to
maintain streaming video links. 

In Canvas:

1. Click the 'Insert Link' icon.  
2. Select 'External Link.'
3. Type display text.
4. Paste permalink from streaming platform, YouTube or lbrary record in Link box. 
5. Click ‘Done.'
6. Save Canvas page.

You can also embed videos directly in Canvas.

1. Click the "embed" icon.

Films on Demand Canvas Plug-in

1. Click on the 'Apps' icon. 
2. Click on Films on Demand. 
3. Search and locate the video.  
4. Click 'embed' and select embed size. 
5. Save the Canvas page. 

What are Public Performance Rights?

Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film. While copyright law makes an exception for showing films in the classroom, showing them for a public audience, with or without an admission charge, may be a violation of copyright.

When are PPR needed?

PPR are required for:

• Screenings open to the public
• Screenings in a public space where access is not restricted to registered students in a course
• Screenings for a class, but inviting others (non-registered students to the class) to attend

PPR are not required for:

• Showing a film in the classroom (by students and instructors) as part of face-to-face teaching activities

Do the films in the CVTC Library include PPR?

Some have PPR included. If there is a film title you are interested in finding out if the library’s copy has PPR, you may contact Kati Morley at the library.

Q: Can I show my class a film via my personal streaming account (i.e. Netflix, Amazon)?
A: It depends - this may be a violation of your contract with the content provider. Services such as these are often restricted to personal and non-commercial use only, so double-check your license agreement before proceeding. Some Netflix original documentaries may be available for classroom use.  Please refer to Netflix's educational screening policy for more information. 

Q: I'm teaching an online-only course, how can I show a film to my class?
A: Any streaming video we have can be embedded into Canvas for online students to watch. For help, contact the library.  The CVTC Library is not able to purchase licenses or subscriptions to any consumer platform: Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, etc.

Q: Can the library transfer a VHS to a DVD to streaming for me?
A: No. Copyright law doesn't allow the transfer of formats without permission of the copyright holder, and the library does not offer reformatting services.

Q: Can I show a DVD in class that I borrowed from the Library?
A: Yes! Section 110(1) of US Copyright law grants a specific exemption for the showing of a movie by instructors within a face-to-face class, provided that the movie has an instructional purpose related to the course and it's only being shown to students enrolled in the course.

Q: Can the library add captions to a video for me?
The library does not provide captioning services.

Q: There's a YouTube video I want my students to watch, can I post a link to it in Canvas?
A: It is recommended that you verify the content has been uploaded to YouTube legally before doing so. This can be done by looking for rights and license statements accompanying the video, or by examining the YouTube user’s profile. While it’s easy to find content on YouTube, it is important to note that some may have been uploaded without the copyright owner's consent - and these can be taken down without notice.

• Recommend an item for our collection:  We take suggestions from our patrons seriously - if you have a favorite author, series, film, or resource that isn't available in the library, let us know on this form.

• Contact the library with additional questions.