Before converting a DVD, BluRay or VHS film, the library first needs to check and see if there is institutional-level streaming access to the film available for us to acquire. To initiate the request for streaming access (if PittCat indicates streaming access is not already available through our collections), please visit the Ask-us-to-buy-Films form and indicate streaming format preferred, including any details regarding subtitles, etc. If the request is fulfilled, you will receive a link to the film through PittCat. If not, you will be notified that you may proceed with the process for Media Conversion with the Teaching Center.
The next steps are to place a Get-It request for the item and complete the Media Content Conversion Request Form. Visit the PittCat record for the film that you are interested in, sign-in through Pitt Passport, and select “Request Item” to have the item placed on-hold for you at Hillman Library. You will receive an email when the film is ready to pick up. You can then take the film to the Teaching Center (Ground floor, Alumni Hall), during their hours of operation for the conversion process. Meanwhile, you would fill out the Teaching Center’s media conversion service online form to alert the Teaching Center to your request and let them know the course information. The film will be on-loan to you for the duration of the process and the Teaching Center will upload the digitized film to your course site when it is completed.
The media conversion process can take up to two weeks, but at the start of the semester the timeline can be extended due to the number of requests they receive. We recommend submitting your request to the Ask-us-to-buy-Films form to start the process as soon as possible for any films that you plan to use in your courses.
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