Is there a specific film you'd like to show students for your course or area?
The ARC Library offers access to thousands of streaming films through several databases. Some films are available instantly, while others must be individually licensed.
Find Streaming Video Through the ARC Library
Start by searching in OneSearch or browsing our ARC Library Video Databases to see films currently available across our 8 databases.
Films on Demand (FOD) is the library’s largest video database, offering documentaries:
- Across disciplines like Humanities and History, Health, Technical Education and more
- From producers such as PBS, BBC, NOVA, and National Geographic
Visit our Films on Demand guide for step-by-step instructions on embedding videos in Canvas using the FOD app, finding titles and segments, creating playlists and custom clips and using closed captions and transcripts.
Request Films from Kanopy and Swank
While most of our video databases provide instant access to a wide range of titles, Kanopy and Swank operate on a licensing model - each film must be individually requested and licensed by the library.
Faculty, classified professionals, and administrators can request films from within Kanopy or Swank, or by emailing librarian, Kate Williamson at williak2@arc.losrios.edu.
Kanopy includes documentaries and feature films.
- Films can only be licensed for a 1-year term initially.
- Visit our Kanopy guide for request instructions and tips for using films in your course.
Swank provides access to films from many major motion picture studios.
- Licenses are limited to 1-year (no multi-year option).
- To explore available titles and submit requests:
- Go to the ARC Swank Digital Campus database
- Authenticate with your Los Rios WID and password
- Login (top right) using:
- Username: ARCFacultyStaff
- Password: facstaffrequest8458!
- Use the search bar to explore requestable titles
Request Guidelines and Licensing Notes
- Films required for a course are prioritized for purchase.
- Not all requests can be fulfilled
- Streaming licenses are dependent on available funding
- Some films are not available for licensing
- When making a request, please include:
- Course title and instructor
- How the film will be used (e.g., required viewing, extra credit)
- Librarians are off contract during summer and winter breaks, and there will be a delay in processing film requests during those times.
Check License Status and Expiration Dates
To see whether the ARC Library has licensed a specific film—and when its license expires—search for the title in OneSearch.
Contact for Requests or Questions
If you would like to request a film, inquire about streaming access for a specific title, or have any questions about licensing or availability, please email librarian, Kate Williamson at williak2@arc.losrios.edu.
Requests Outside our Current Platforms
- At this time, the ARC Library is unable to license films outside of our existing databases due to staffing and budget constraints.
- Most popular streaming platforms—such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime—do not offer institutional licenses for libraries. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to license content from these platforms. (Netflix allows educational screenings of select documentaries.)