Please allow 2 weeks for the library to acquire films sold in the U.S., 6-10 weeks for films that need to be acquired from other countries.
Faculty may request specific films for course use or addition to the library collection by completing the Film Request Form.
You will be asked to provide the following information:
We may be able to borrow a DVD copy from another library or the vendor if you want to preview a film before making a purchase recommendation. If the library already has a film on DVD, faculty can place it on reserve and "book" it (schedule it) for a specific class showing date using the online form on the Faculty Reserves Services page.
Representatives of official Dickinson administrative units, groups or clubs may request that the library acquire documentary films for small group, co-curricular showings by contacting a liaison librarian or emailing ask@dickinson.libanswers.com. Please provide: film title, English title if applicable, director, film release date, intended use of the film, subtitle requirements, and when it is needed. Note that the library cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain a film for co-curricular showings. For information on performance rights for campus screenings, see: https://libguides.dickinson.edu/copyright/filmperformancerights
The library has over 8,000 DVDs, as well as a legacy collection of nearly 5,000 films in VHS format. Visit the "Find Films" webpage to search for both DVDs and VHS films in the library collection. Personal DVD playing devices are available for loan. Ask at the main library Circulation Desk of contact circ@dickinson.edu for more information.
It is recommended that you test any Blu-Ray or "international" DVD in advance in the room you will be using to avoid any potential issues.
DVDs labeled "international" require an international or region free / multi-region player. The Media Center has a page showing the equipment available in "smart classrooms" on campus. Most library-owned discs are DVDs, a format playable in within the library and in most "smart" classrooms on campus. The library also has some loaner DVD players.
The Library currently does NOT have any Blu-Ray players in our building. A very small number of Blu-ray's are in the library collection and may be borrowed for use in several other locations on campus or at home, if you have the necessary equipment. Please check with the Media Center regarding which rooms have Blu-Ray players, or any other classroom equipment needs.
(updated 8/14/2025)
Want to help us stretch our budget? Search our existing film offerings to see if a suitable film on your subject is already available through the library listed at: https://www.dickinson.edu/info/20391/library/2519/find_films
We have unlimited subscription access to hundreds of thousands of films across the disciplines through Films on Demand, Docuseek, and AVON. Kanopy films are licensed by the library for one year at a time on a “pay per view” basis and you are encouraged to use those for curricular and research use. Please do not use Kanopy for personal binge-watching as it drives up our costs. The Cumberland County Public library provides Kanopy access for personal viewing.
If a DVD suits your needs, the library has thousands of DVDs of feature films, documentaries and TV series listed in the library catalog. The library has portable DVD players available to borrow. DVDs can be placed on physical reserve for courses by completing the Course Reserves Request Form.
The library cannot provide access to streamed content that is only made available to the individual consumer market (e.g., iTunes, NetFlix, Hulu, Amazon, AppleTV, VuDu, etc.). Check your individual terms of service for permitted uses. Individuals desiring access to the streamed version may need to rent, purchase or subscribe directly through the online service and check the terms of service for allowed uses. While no site is comprehensively in showing streaming options, the site "JustWatch" allows you to search for a film and see multiple options for individual streaming rental and purchase.
Can I use Roku, Chromecast, etc. to view library streaming film collections?
Some library streaming services have apps available on various devices.
From off-campus: If a streaming service is compatible with a device, you can view library films on that device from off campus. Check information on the particular streaming service website for more information.
From on-campus: You may be able to stream library films to compatible devices while that are connected to the Dickinson network. See Dickinson Network Device Guidance (particularly the "Internet of Things" section) for more information about which devices may be used on campus and how to get connected.