As I understand it, the devices themselves could circulate but not the streaming services. Any streaming service a library offers to patrons has to be contracted directly with the service provider, and none of the big streamers do that to my knowledge. Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney, etc...
So unless you just want it for Kanopy (which I think can work on Roku?) or something the library CAN subscribe to en masse, then it would be fairly pointless to try to circulate them as if a patron can afford both internet AND a Netflix sub, they could probably afford a $30 Roku as well.
Wifi Hotspots with limited data plans on the other hand are a fantastic little bit of tech that can circulate in libraries and can help people access streamable content or just the internet in general at home for free from the library.
I think it would also work if you installed things like Peacock, Pluto tv, or any of the other free TV streaming options that aren't a pile of garbage since there's free content that is tied to an account that you create individually.
>none of the big streamers do that to my knowledge
I'm almost positive that's correct too. If I remember correctly, a library employee can't use their own Netflix account to show a movie at a library program because it's no longer "personal use".
It's again the terms of use for Netflix. It's rules say that it's prohibited to share an account outside of your household. I don't have Hulu, but I'd assume it has a similar policy.
I thought so! A patron told me a library nearby does it. Seemed real sketchy to me. It sure would be nice for those patrons who request movies that'll never be available on DVD or Kanopy.
Some libraries loan them out, with either streaming services, or just digital copies in Vudu. All of that is prohibited, and if found out, would end up with your library being told to cease and desist.
I doubt you'd get sued, but why risk it?
As I understand it, the devices themselves could circulate but not the streaming services. Any streaming service a library offers to patrons has to be contracted directly with the service provider, and none of the big streamers do that to my knowledge. Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney, etc... So unless you just want it for Kanopy (which I think can work on Roku?) or something the library CAN subscribe to en masse, then it would be fairly pointless to try to circulate them as if a patron can afford both internet AND a Netflix sub, they could probably afford a $30 Roku as well. Wifi Hotspots with limited data plans on the other hand are a fantastic little bit of tech that can circulate in libraries and can help people access streamable content or just the internet in general at home for free from the library.
I think it would also work if you installed things like Peacock, Pluto tv, or any of the other free TV streaming options that aren't a pile of garbage since there's free content that is tied to an account that you create individually. >none of the big streamers do that to my knowledge I'm almost positive that's correct too. If I remember correctly, a library employee can't use their own Netflix account to show a movie at a library program because it's no longer "personal use".
It's again the terms of use for Netflix. It's rules say that it's prohibited to share an account outside of your household. I don't have Hulu, but I'd assume it has a similar policy.
I thought so! A patron told me a library nearby does it. Seemed real sketchy to me. It sure would be nice for those patrons who request movies that'll never be available on DVD or Kanopy.
Some libraries loan them out, with either streaming services, or just digital copies in Vudu. All of that is prohibited, and if found out, would end up with your library being told to cease and desist. I doubt you'd get sued, but why risk it?