Written by: Faith Brown
As the semester winds down, some professors require students to watch and analyze films for an assignment or for the course itself. However, with streaming services raising their subscription prices and kicking mainstream DVDs out of relevancy, students often wonder where they can find cheaper alternatives to watching films. What many students don’t know is that MU Libraries offers a wide selection of films to browse and has many partners that do the same!
MU Libraries offers both free online movie services as well as copies of films (and the tech you need to watch them). To get started, visit MU Libraries’ main website and type the movie/DVD you’re looking for in the search box. After you’ve been redirected to the search results, you can limit results on the left to just include films then browse through the list to see if you can find the DVD you’re looking for along with its location. If the film you’re looking for isn’t found on in the list, you can click the “MOBIUS” icon on the right side of your screen to expand your search to other partnering libraries in Missouri. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is also available to students where you can request a copy of your film through an online form and a librarian will send you a copy from any around the world.
Looking for musical performances, theatre, and documentaries? Visit the available through the MU Libraries website where over 4,000 titles are available for streaming. Need something a bit more educational and history oriented? also gives students access to over 1,000 titles from networks like BBC, PBS, Sony Pictures and many more.
MU Libraries doesn’t just have educational films, and with the holiday season in full effect, find a movie is a crucial part of the celebration. If you’re not sure which film you want or aren’t feeling very picky, head over to Ellis Library and check out their DVD collection next to the computer lab on the first floor or use the Ellis Library map provided on our website. When you’ve found the film you’re looking for, bring it to the Check Out and Information Desk at Ellis just as you would a typical book. You can also check out any DVD players or external drives needed.
If your search is still at a dead end, try visiting the Daniel Boone Regional Library (DBRL) or their website. You can apply for a library card online, or visit DBRL in person to get it set up. Once you have a library card, streaming services such as Kanopy, Freegal, and Hoopla can be used at your leisure.