There are a number of options when purchasing a film. For those who are interested in the physical ownership of the media, a Digital Video Disc (DVD) is an excellent option. For colleges and universities, public libraries, and organizations that serve large populations, there are other options that allow for wider access for users. Video on Demand (VOD) options allow users to access a film without geographical limitations and without the need for specialized equipment beyond a computer with internet access, such as a DVD player.
Within the VOD purchasing options is a digital site license. A digital site license allows institutions such as a college or university, public library, or organization to access a film that is hosted in the cloud. Typically, the digital site license will provide access to the film for the life of the file format. With a site license, the distributor or vendor will require that an institution or organization provide some level of password protection to limit access to those affiliated with the college or university, public library, or association.
For public library systems or colleges and universities with multiple campus locations, site licenses will typically dictate the use of a film or video within this institutional or organizational structure. With situations like this, it is possible that a distributor or vendor will require multiple site licenses for each location or determine the cost of the overall site license based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students or the size of the population served.
When considering a digital site license purchase for a film, there are a few considerations. First, there will be a difference in price between a DVD and a digital site license. While price is definitely a factor when considering the overall collections budget, in many cases the cost of a digital site license is not cost-prohibitive but may require some careful decision making. Second, consider how the user population you serve will use the film or video. There are equipment requirements to view a DVD. If the film will be part of a collection serving an institution, there will be maintenance costs of DVD players to ensure users can access the film.
While digital site licenses do require users have access to technology to view the film, computers and smartphones are ubiquitous and institutions will already be maintaining these devices. Third, consider any limitations to the digital site license. This can include the total number of simultaneous users. It is important to check how many simultaneous users a site license agreement will allow.
Think of this in terms of a print book or eBook. A print book allows for a single user. Some eBook licenses will allow for one user or multiple users. The most liberal license will allow for anyone who is interested in using the content or watching the film to have access. A final consideration is how will your institution or organization control access to the film through the digital site license.
Typically, a digital site license will require some level of password protection to ensure only those affiliated with the institution or organization can access the film. For most libraries, access will be controlled through an institutional proxy server either hosted locally or externally. This will allow users to enter their institutional credentials to authenticate and access the film. Another option would be to have a specific password that would be shared with users. While this is a viable option and eliminates the need for a proxy server to authenticate, this will limit users’ immediate access to the film.
Digital site licenses offer those managing a film collection the ability to provide access to films more widely and make them readily available to users. When considering a digital site license, it is important to review the terms of the license, including the price, access points, total number of simultaneous users, and any restrictions. Overall, given the current demands of users and the need to access films more widely, site licenses offer a practical way to make films available.