Film & streaming video

Finding films

Both Tisch and SMFA libraries provide access to DVDs and streaming films.

The SMFA Library's browsable DVD collection includes art documentaries, experimental film and animation, and classic feature films. 

To locate films in our collections:

  1. Use JumboSearch to look up the title, director, or starring actor(s) of the film.
  2. You can limit your JumboSearch results to Video Recordings using the "Resource Type" filter on the left side of the results list (if there are a lot of results, you may have to select Show More to see the Video Recordings option).
  3. You can also browse our physical DVD collections in person on the Main Floor (Level 2) of Tisch Library, and at the SMFA library.

For more information on searching films in the catalog by language, please see our Find Non-English Language Films at Tisch Library LibGuide.

Streaming video

The libraries provide access to a variety of streaming film and videos through several platforms. These platforms often include videos on a wide range of topics, and you can search for specific films or browse subject- or genre-based collections of both documentaries and feature films. We encourage you to explore the major platforms available through Tisch Library, which include:

Please note you might need to connect to the VPN to access streaming media off-campus.

Using films in class

Adding films to your course reserve via Canvas Reading List

Faculty and instructors can place streaming film and DVDs from the libraries on Course Reserves via the Canvas Reading List tool, which allows you to create, organize, and submit your reserve requests without leaving Canvas. 

To get started, log into Canvas and open your course, then click Reading Lists in the menu on the left. For detailed instructions on setting up your Reading List, see the short training video on the Tisch Library website, or go to the Canvas Help Page for detailed written directions.

You can also submit your requests through our Streaming Media Request form, or via email at tischstreamingmedia@tufts.edu.  If you want to use a film that we don't currently own, we will try to license a streaming version. If a licensed version is not available, we will try to make a DVD copy available on physical reserve at the library instead.

Please reach out to us with any questions at tischstreamingmedia@tufts.edu. 

In addition, you can connect with your liaison librarian if you need more subject specific guidance about using streaming media in your teaching.  

Re-using films used in a previous semester

All films or other audio-visual works used in previous semesters should be available either through a licensed streaming platform, or owned by Tufts on DVD or CD. 

You may reuse a Canvas course reading list from a previous semester (instructions for this can be found here), or re-submit your list of films via our Streaming Media Request form or email. We recommend submitting your reading list/requests at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester, since streaming licenses for films can lapse and may need to be renewed. 

Screening films on campus

For course instructors

For films not available in streaming format, course instructors may consider the following options for screening films on campus as part of their course:

  • Consider scheduling a weekly, optional recitation to your course prior to registration.  This may be most helpful for courses with higher enrollments and/or that require one or more films to be screened a week.  This will allow students to plan their time accordingly. Students who are not able to join the optional recitation will still be able to borrow the DVD on physical reserve in Tisch Library.  Scheduled recitations will have a room confirmed prior to the start of the semester.
  • Use Reserve Tufts to book ad-hoc screening sessions throughout the semester as needed.  This may be most helpful for courses that require fewer films to be screened and where there are only a few films available only as DVDs.  Arrange to borrow the DVD from Tisch for a screening. Ad-hoc recitations booked through Reserve Tufts can only be confirmed after the add deadline, one week into the semester, and are subject to room availability.
  • Request Tisch Library purchase additional copies of the DVD.  Upon request, we can purchase extra copies of the DVD (1 per 25 students) to put on physical reserve; email TischStreamingMedia@tufts.edu. 

For student events

Most films, including those available from the libraries' collections and streaming services, are intended for personal or educational use only and require public performance rights to be screened at public events. For detailed guidelines and information about screening films for student events, please see the Office of Campus Life's Film Screening Guidelines for Student Events.

DVD players

Tisch Library has DVD players (including HDMI and USB options) available for checkout at the front desk, as well as DVD kits for classroom use.

We also have two DVD/Blu-ray viewing stations in the library, located on Level 2 (the main floor). 

If you can't find the film you're looking for