The Greenwood Library has access to a collection of 498 digitized PBS videos that were purchased by the VIVA consortium for use by academic libraries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All of the videos are available through the Library's online catalog. An easy way to find them is through a keyword search on "pbs video viva".
Firefox is the recommended browser, and the free QuickTime player is required to view the videos.
What's in the PBS streaming video collection?
Two-thirds of the PBS documentaries in the collection were produced in 2000 or later. Some of the PBS series in the collection are:
Only current Longwood faculty, staff and students may access the PBS streaming videos. A valid Longwood login is required for viewing on or off campus. Please note the use restrictions that apply to this licensed content.
How can I access and view the online videos?
To access the streaming videos, you must provide a valid Longwood University login, which is your LancerNetID@longwood.edu and your LancerNet password. Each video has a low and a high bandwidth link. Low bandwidth is recommended for off-campus viewing and high for on-campus. A high-speed internet connection is required for off-campus viewing. Firefox is the recommended browser. Viewing the videos requires the free QuickTime 7 player or equivalent.
You must include "@longwood.edu" with your LancerNetID login.
- Students: Use your LancerNetID@longwood.edu (e.g., abc123@longwood.edu) and your LancerNet password. Do not use your new student email address.
- Faculty and staff: Use your LancerNetID@longwood.edu (e.g., doejd@longwood.edu) and your LancerNet password.
Yes, Longwood faculty, staff and students may provide direct links to a video by copying the URL in the address bar of the streaming video page. It is also possible from the streaming video page to create a custom URL for a specific clip or segment of a video by entering the start and end times for that portion of the video. A valid Longwood login will still be required to view videos or clips accessed from direct or custom URLs that are posted in Blackboard.
Can I download a video to show in my class or post in Blackboard?
No, it is not possible to download any of the videos. Our license only allows online viewing.
How can I see the PBS companion web site for a video?
Many of the library catalog records include a "More information on this video" link that will take you to the PBS companion web site, which often has transcripts and other information about the topic.
Where can I get the QuickTime player?
To install the free QuickTime 7 player on your personal computer, click here. All computers in the library have QuickTime installed. Faculty and staff may either install QuickTime using their administrative access login or request an install from User Support Services.
I get strange messages when I try to access the videos.
The following popup messages may appear. Follow the appropriate instructions below to proceed.
Who can help me if I have questions about the videos?
If you have questions about viewing or using the PBS streaming videos, please ask a librarian for assistance.
USE RESTRICTIONS: The PBS streaming video collection was purchased by the VIVA consortium for use by academic libraries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Longwood University's license agreement for providing this copyrighted educational program applies only to Longwood's own faculty, staff and students. By using this online service, you agree not to give access to or share this program, by any means, with any user outside of the authorized Longwood community. Your cooperation is appreciated.
