Streaming Videos: Subject Area Usage Trends

Abstract The usage of streaming videos at The Ohio State University is examined, focusing on the University Libraries’ multi-subject vendors Alexander Street, Films on Demand, and Kanopy. Videos with at least one view per month (amount viewed not considered) are examined and assigned disciplines (Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, or Multi) and subjects (one out of over 100 options). The usage of the videos within the context of these disciplines and subjects is then examined for overall and average use. Finds from this indicate volume of titles being higher for some subject areas but with higher average use for other subjects, pointing to differences in the way in which instructors may be using content. These different usage patterns indicate implications for those dealing with collections and instruction aspects of streaming videos.