Librarians, archivists, professors, film scholars, distributors, filmmakers, historians, and more have come together on Change.org to take a stand against video distributors.
Video Trust & the Film & Media Round Table of the American Library Association penned a petition asking video distributors who release content via online platforms that do not provide purchasing options for libraries (Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, and many others) "to provide the opportunity for libraries to purchase affordable streaming content to support the needs of our institutions and communities."
As the petition explains, "Distributors not providing institutional licensing limits libraries' and educators' ability to provide access to and teach with many great films and documentaries. This has a detrimental impact on students and other library patrons."
Access to media is imperative to our youth and evolving culture. As the media landscape slowly moves towards primarily online formats, "creators and distributors need to guarantee licensing options to schools and libraries in order to support the education and development of future generations."
The petition currently has 399 signatures with a goal of 500 signatures. Sign today on Change.org to show your support for lifelong learning!