Kanopy’s multiple access models work together to maximize the value of a library’s catalog on platform.

What are your pain points when it comes to curating a streaming video collection – within budget – at your college or university? Many librarians we’ve spoken to seem to get headaches when looking for cost-effective ways to serve more faculty and students for less. In recent years, Kanopy’s responded with a range of flexible models for colleges and universities, allowing libraries to build collections thoughtfully and sustainably – and within budget constraints and institutional objectives. 

With a diverse array of licensing models and plans like our BASE Subscription and Patron-Driven Acquisition, libraries can tailor their approach to meet specific campus needs, ensuring sustained access for years to come. Kanopy’s analysis of aggregate, anonymized data reveals that libraries utilizing multiple licensing models and access plans have significantly reduced their cost per use across their entire digital collection. 

Take look at some use cases that show how your library can leverage Kanopy’s licensing models today: 

Expand video access for more faculty, staff and students

Kanopy’s Smart PDA program is managed by MLIS-degreed Content Workflow Analysts (CWAs) to monitor and ensure an institution’s funds are spent according to their collection development policies.

At the recent Electronic Resources and Libraries (ER&L) conference, librarians shared success stories with the Smart PDA Program, which pairs   Kanopy partner institutions with Kanopy librarians who suggest the best combinations of licensing models for their uses. In this ER&L presentation entitled Adventures in Streaming, a consistent benefit mentioned was increased access to videos for assigned course viewing and enrichment. In fact, one librarian cited that out of the several hundreds of film requests over the years, only 40% resulted in a licensing charge. That’s hundreds of titles viewed sometimes multiple times without a single charge. Aligning collection development practices to maximize stakeholder satisfaction results in happier faculty, students and, yes, especially librarians. And when there’s more positive association to enhance the library’s standing on campus, it encourages repeat usage, ongoing learning and a deeper understanding of subject material. 

Flexible lending models promote whole staff and student enrichment

When the stress of midterms and finals subside, libraries can be the hero and play a crucial role in post-exam relief. By implementing multiple, budget-friendly licensing models within Smart PDA, libraries gain additional funds for enhancing streaming course materials. This not only meets faculty requests but also provides students with diverse and more enriching content beyond certain “unnamed major streamers” with escalating subscription prices. It’s a win-win for faculty and students alike. 

Amplify instructional impact

Achieving a greater impact on instruction is a key advantage of embracing Kanopy’s licensing models. By tailoring access plans to diverse learning needs, libraries empower educators to utilize a rich array of resources. So, a biology instructor can utilize a flipped classroom model and enrich their lecture with videos highlighting biological processes in action, enhancing students’ understanding through visual learning. This enhances instruction quality and contributes to a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Adopting a multi-model licensing strategy with Kanopy enables libraries to navigate budget constraints while elevating the overall educational experience. The tangible benefits of expanded access, diverse content offerings and enhanced instructional impact make this approach a valuable investment for academic institutions. 

Looking to learn more about how your library can expand your catalog and save money? Talk to an expert account representative to find out more.