This guide provides basic information on videos available at the College of the Redwoods library in online databases, or as physical DVDs that can be checked out or viewed in the library, as well as free Internet videos or streaming media, with some guidance on how to cite your video sources.
Can I use Library videos and media in academic research?
Of course! However, just like any other type or format of resource, a video should be evaluated before it is used in academic research. Most of the library’s resources HAVE ALREADY BEEN CHECKED AND EVALUATED BY LIBRARIANS before adding to the college’s resource collections. Librarians review sources carefully before purchasing to ensure the sources are reliable, relatively bias-free, accurate, timely, and relevant to courses, programs, and popular topics of research. So, a lot of the most difficult work has already been done for you.
What are the benefits or disadvantages to using Library media?
The greatest benefit is that they have already been selected and evaluated for quality, as noted above. Many of the library’s videos are online in streaming format, so the same benefits exist for convenience and speed. Most library online videos have already been licensed for educational use under copyright law, and are hosted in secure servers, so there is never any risk of infection from malware. You still need to monitor your bandwidth if viewing on your cell phone.
All library online media will include closed captions and/or transcripts. Transcripts can be printed or downloaded, or you can copy and paste selected text. So library media is fully accessible to everyone, and it's much easier to provide an exact quotation.
Citations can be generated from the online media database. Permalinks can be shared with group study partners, or your instructor, or your instructor can post a link on Canvas for the whole class to view.
Library databases are paid for by the college, so they are not open to anyone who is not a student, staff, or faculty member. You will need to login before viewing or accessing any information in any of the library’s databases, including the video databases.
DVD’s offer additional benefits. A DVD can last for many years- with care, up to a hundred years or more. They can be scratched or damaged, but often they can be repaired. A DVD can be viewed many times by many people for no extra charge after initial purchase.
Listed below are some library guides, like this one, that provide helpful advice and information for your research projects.