Evaluating faculty streaming video requests: An eight-year analysis of Swank data at an R1 institution

This study examines eight years of title-request data from the Swank streaming video platform at The University of Alabama. Using descriptive statistics and natural language processing, the authors identify patterns in how videos are requested and used across campus. Findings highlight gaps in faculty understanding of Swank renewal procedures and point to the importance of clearer communication and stronger collaboration with departments that make frequent requests. The results of the study also provide insights concerning the value of on-demand streaming access compared to perpetual access to streaming films.