Library Guides: Video Resources: Multi-Subject Video Databases

Multi-Subject Databases

The University Libraries provide thousands of streaming videos from several different distributors. This list of multi-subject databases is a subset of the complete list of University Libraries databases. Each video database can be explored by clicking on the link below.

SWANK Motion Pictures Digital Campus
Swank Motion Pictures distributes over 18,000 movies from major Hollywood studios, which are available online to Penn State instructors for classroom teaching, via a University Libraries license with Swank Motion Pictures.

Academic Video Online (AVON) This link opens in a new window
Supplied by Alexander Street Press, this database is an extensive interdisciplinary video library that streams thousands of documentaries and training films across many disciplines, with strengths in education, business, history, science, film and media studies, and counseling, among others.
"Academic Video Online has more than 66,000 titles spanning a wide range of subjects including anthropology, business, counseling, film, health, history, music, and more. More than 14,000 titles are exclusive to Alexander Street."
Kanopy Streaming Service This link opens in a new window
Kanopy distributes online documentaries from a variety of filmmakers, including the Media Education Foundation. Search for specific movie titles, or browse a list of all the online documentaries licensed by the Penn State University Libraries
Kanopy distributes documentaries, independent and world cinema, and classic and award-winning films from a variety of filmmakers, including the Media Education Foundation. Search for specific movie titles, or browse a list of all the online documentaries licensed by the Penn State University Libraries. To find out when the license for a Kanopy video expires, contact the Music and Media Center at musiccenter@psu.edu.
Docuseek2 Collection This link opens in a new window
Docuseek2 distributes online documentaries from a variety of filmmakers, including Bullfrog Films, Collective Eye Films, Film Movement, First Run Features, Icarus Films, the National Film Board of Canada, and Women Make Movies. Penn State's subscription includes the complete GOOD DOCS collection. Search for specific titles or browse a list of documentaries licensed by the Penn State University Libraries.
Docuseek2 distributes online documentaries from a variety of filmmakers, including Bullfrog Films, Collective Eye Films, Film Movement, First Run Features, Icarus Films, the National Film Board of Canada, and Women Make Movies. Penn State's subscription includes the complete GOOD DOCS collection. Search for specific titles or browse a list of documentaries licensed by the Penn State University Libraries.
Films on Demand (Films Media Group) This link opens in a new window
Films Media Group distributes online documentaries from a variety of producers, including Films for the Humanities and Sciences, A&E Television Networks, Bill Moyers, BBC, Cambridge Educational, and Open University. Search for specific movie titles, or browse a list of all the online documentaries licensed by the Penn State University Libraries.
Films Media Group distributes online documentaries from a variety of producers, including Films for the Humanities and Sciences, A&E Television Networks, Bill Moyers, BBC, Cambridge Educational, and Open University. Search for specific movie titles, or browse a list of all the online documentaries licensed by the Penn State University Libraries.
PBS Video Collection This link opens in a new window
Supplied by Alexander Street Press, this database includes hundreds of documentary films from the Public Broadcasting Service, selected from series such as Frontline, NOVA, and American Experience.
This collection of more than 1,600 streaming videos provides video documentaries and series from PBS. From science to history, art to Shakespeare, diversity to business & economics, and more, the PBS Video Collection provides access to one of television’s most trusted networks. Includes episodes from Frontline, NOVA, American Experience, Odyssey, and more.
Media Education Foundation (MEF) This link opens in a new window
Supplied by the Kanopy streaming service, the documentary films produced by the Media Education Foundation inspire critical thinking about the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media.
The Media Education Foundation produces and distributes documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical thinking about the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media.
Filmakers Library Online This link opens in a new window
Supplied by Alexander Street Press, this database streams documentary films from Filmakers Library, a respected distributor of issues-based documentaries focused on the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media.
Over 1200 video titles distributed by Filmakers Library are available through this online streaming service. Topics covered include: race and gender studies, human rights, globalization and global studies, multiculturalism, international relations, criminal justice, the environment, bioethics, health, political science and current events, psychology, arts, literature, and more.

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Multi-Subject Databases