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Student Tribune

Video Content at the MCC Libraries ... and Beyond!

In today's educational landscape, video content is a powerful tool for enhancing learning experiences. Did you know that the MCC Libraries offer you four fabulous ways to view and enjoy video content? Well, if you didn’t know, read on!

First of all, the Brighton Campus’s LeRoy V. Good Library maintains an impressive collection of DVDs, featuring educational videos, Hollywood classics, cult favorites, silent films, and television series. Conveniently located at the back of the main floor of the library, you'll find a treasure trove of visual resources. Don't miss the Holocaust, Human Rights, Genocide Resource Center on the 4th floor, offering videos on these important subjects. Borrow any DVD using a valid ID, such as an MCC ID or a driver's license.

For those looking for streaming options, the library has three exceptional options, all free to you by simply logging in with your MCC email credentials. Most of the films in these three databases are more curriculum-driven, but there is no limit as to variety of subjects in each one. Let’s take a look at all three:

  1. Films on Demand: With films produced by The History Channel, BBC, A&E, National Geographic, and a wide variety of independent producers, this database offers comprehensive coverage of current events, diversity, history, science, documentaries, and much more. Every film in the database is instantly accessible, and can be viewed as often as desired, providing professors with the flexibility to integrate videos seamlessly into their courses. 
  2. Academic Video Online (AVON): AVON, like Films on Demand, offers over 80,000 streamed videos across various disciplines such as anthropology, business, counseling, film arts, health, history, music, and more. Faculty members can immediately access every title in the AVON database, enabling them to incorporate relevant videos into their teaching materials effortlessly. Additionally, students and faculty will appreciate the ability to share video with students and entire classes.
  3. Kanopy: This popular video platform operates much differently from Films on Demand and AVON. Unlike the other databases, Kanopy operates on a separate, year-long lease arrangement for each title provided by MCC Libraries. This is due to its "purchase-on-demand" model, which requires careful consideration of our collection budget. We prioritize our faculty's expertise and curricula to ensure the selection aligns with MCC's educational goals while being mindful of budgetary constraints. We encourage you to explore Kanopy and enjoy the many paid access titles we have carefully chosen for our students' learning needs.  

For those looking for pure entertainment, there are several mostly ad-driven sites that offer feature films and TV shows for free. Platforms such as YouTube, Freevee, Crackle, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, and the Roku Channel offer an assortment of content worth checking out. But beware of other sites that ignore copyright. They can not only expose you to legal consequences but may also compromise your device's security!

If you require assistance in finding and integrating video content into your courses, your department's liaison librarian is here to help. Consult them for expert guidance and make the most of the vast array of video resources offered by the MCC Libraries. Elevate your teaching and enrich your student's learning experiences today!

Squires, Richard
Library
06/13/2023