How can Georgetown University Law Center members watch or stream a film, or publicly show a DVD, on campus?
Answer
Georgetown University's Lauinger Library offers licensed streaming collections and these may be found on their Film & Media Studies guide. Through their guide, main campus offers services such as Kanopy Film & Media, Films on Demand and Asian Film Online.
The Law Library and local academic libraries carry film in DVD formats that may be borrowed by Georgetown Law patrons. Search for a title in the library catalog under Georgetown U. + Local Academic Libraries.
The Law Library's popular DVD collection is located on the 2nd floor, past the Study Aid collection in the Reading Room. The DVDs can be checked out for a week. If the DVD is held by a local academic library, submit a "Request from a local academic library" through the catalog.
The Law Library, however, does not offer advice on Public Performance Rights nor provide support for films to be shown in non-instructional settings, even for campus held events. Organizers of non-classroom events are responsible for acquiring the film, identifying the appropriate rights-clearing group and purchasing appropriate permissions.
The Law Library is unable to acquire, nor borrow, streaming formats for any purpose. The library will not consider purchasing, nor borrowing, DVD titles for public performance purposes. Georgetown does not have an institution-wide license to the popular commercial streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, etc.
For film that is not available or accessible through Georgetown, try the D.C. Public Library which offers their members a streaming service collection. Netflix's YouTube channel offers a limited number of educational documentaries for free streaming. Netflix.com offers a limited educational screenings of documentaries through their individual memberships.