If you search for a film or keyword on your Kanopy website, you may find some titles at the bottom of the search results in a "Request" section. This area appears separate from the search results so as not to interfere with the experience of users when they are engaging with films that are available to view.
If a user clicks on one of films in the "Request" area, they will see a page letting them know that the film is not currently available to view. They will also see a form with which they request access to the film. These requests are sent to an email address specified on your account as automated notifications.
Once you receive a Request for Purchase notification, you can handle it as you see appropriate - for example, by asking for further information about the request, advising the user of the availability of the DVD in the library, or ordering the film and providing access to it. Please note that if you are live on PDA/PPU, you can simply elect to add the film to your website and make it go live, rather than ordering it upfront for the user.
What does a request mean?
My library employs the PDA/PPU program
You may have only opened up certain collections via your PDA/PPU program and this film is one that sits in a collection that you have not yet activated. Such a request is therefore useful as you can make a decision either to open up that film (or its PDA/PPU collection) or add that film a-la-carte to your Kanopy website. This option of having other films that you have not activated under PDA/PPU available in request mode effectively works as a useful "mediated PDA/PPU" option.
My library does not employ the PDA/PPU Program
If you are not live on Kanopy's PDA/PPU program, you can still activate other films and collections that sit in the request section of your website. This can be helpful as a tool for supporting faculty as they search for resources and for soliciting inquiries for faculty teaching needs, just like a "place a resource request" feature on your library website.
How do I purchase a requested film?
- Go to the video page for the requested film.
- Click “Buy Now” and choose a license length for the film.
- Select "Cart" at the top right and select "Checkout."
- Follow the steps for payment method and contact information. Once complete, select "Review Order."
- You will receive an email to confirm your order and another email with the invoice and access link shortly after.
Why are some films listed as unavailable to license?
A film may be unavailable for licensing to your institution based on a variety of reasons ranging from territorial restrictions to our supplier agreements. If you have more questions, please reach out to your Kanopy sales representative.