Sorry! Kanopy is resting

March 20, 2018 by Wayde Oshiro | 0 comments

Kanopy’s recent popularity is thrilling but it has come at a price. Unfortunately, we’ve spent down our entire account for the year and we can no longer support the patron-driven acquisition model, i.e. click and view. In fact, Kanopy has placed our account on pause mode. The result is that the convenient PDA model is now a somewhat less convenient librarian-mediated model.

The Kanopy PDA Model

The Kanopy PDA model is based on the number of triggers a film receives. A trigger is equal to a single viewing of a film for more than 30 seconds. On the fifth viewing, the film is “triggered” and a purchase is made. The purchased film is licensed for unlimited campuswide use for one calendar year. The trigger happens behind the scenes and the viewer is unaware when a film is triggered.

When it works as intended, the vast majority of films viewed by individuals will not trigger a purchase. This model gives our patrons access to thousands of quality films for free. We’ve been using Kanopy since 2016 and allocated funds based on the first year’s use. This year, usage has increased in a way that we failed to anticipate and this is how we’ve found ourselves in this situation today. Kanopy is not going away, but it won’t be an on-demand service for the time being.

The Kanopy Mediated Model

Kanopy title browsing remains the same. When it comes time to view a film, this request form will appear instead. Please fill out this form and in your message, specify the use (in-class screening, individual viewing for assignment, etc.) and a need by date. Once received, the librarian may email you for additional information before the library purchases the film.

What do I do if I’ve already assigned a film this semester?

Submit the request form ASAP. The turnaround period is unknown at this time, but we will do our best to fast-track your request and purchase the film. We will let you know if we cannot meet your deadline.

Is a film I viewed yesterday available for viewing tomorrow?

Probably not. Unless you triggered the film, meaning you were the 5th person to view it, the film you watched yesterday is no longer available.

Is there a way to see which films have been triggered already?

Kanopy doesn’t allow you to filter the collection by licensed (triggered) titles. If want to see a complete list of available films, please contact Jue Wang, Technical Services Librarian, juewang@hawaii.edu. She will be able to forward a current list of licensed films. These are the only titles currently available for on-demand viewing on Kanopy.

How long are triggered films available?

From the trigger date (purchase date) the film is available for one calendar year.

What do I do if I want to assign a film for next semester?

Submit your request. The earlier the better so that we can budget for it. We will try to accommodate your requests as best as we can.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Wayde Oshiro, waydeo@hawaii.edu

Jue Wang, juewang@hawaii.edu

Please feel free contact me or Jue. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you and your students. I promise that we’ll do our best to answer your questions and to fulfill your requests. Mahalo!