Yes, you read that correctly, and no, this is not a drill. You too, dear uOttawa student, can access hundreds of movies and magazines for free, including crowd-pleasers such as the Marvel movies, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue. That is, of course, if you know where to look. In the name of education, students of the University of Ottawa are granted access to literally hundreds of media databases through the university’s library website. This does not mean, however, that the good stuff is easy to find. Lucky for you, I did a deep dive into all of the databases available to us so that you don’t have to. Here are the four top media entertainment databases that you can use with your uOttawa account and how to do it.
Criterion-On-Demand
Recently popularized on Tiktok, Criterion-On-Demand is a movie streaming service that hosts over 1500 titles from a number of well-known studios (think: Paramount, Sony, Alliance, Miramax, Warner Bros, and Lionsgate) as well as independent producers. You’ll find everything on Criterion, from 1920s classics to popular new releases.
To access Criterion-On-Demand:
1. From the homepage of the University of Ottawa library website, click on Databases A-Z.
2. Under C, click on Criterion-On-Demand. The page will redirect you.
3. Log in using the same credentials you use for uOzone.
Criterion and chill, anyone?
Audio Cine Films (ACF)
If Criterion is the Netflix of film databases, then ACF is the Hulu — slightly less regarded, but also very good in its own respect. ACF provides post-secondary students with free access to hundreds of movies in English and French from Disney, Pixar, NBC, MGM, Sony, TVA, VVS, Remstar, and HBO. Hit up ACF for all of your family, comedy, action, and drama movie needs.
To access Audio Cine Films:
1. From the homepage of the University of Ottawa library website, click on Databases A-Z.
2. Under A, click on Audio Cine Films. The page will redirect you.
3. Log in using the same credentials you use for uOzone.
*I will not be responsible for any procrastination that results from the sharing of this information.
PressReader
Let me just say that I still cannot get over the selection of magazines available on PressReader. This database offers current issues of over 4000 magazines and newspapers from around the world in over 50 languages. With topics ranging from business, to lifestyle, to sports, PressReader is basically guaranteed to have something for everyone.
To access PressReader:
1. From the homepage of the University of Ottawa library website, click on Databases A-Z.
2. Under P, click on PressReader. The page will redirect you.
3. Log in using the same credentials you use for uOzone.
Question: Does reading Cosmopolitan France make one cultured? (asking for a friend)
The Vogue Archive
To access the Vogue Archive:
1. From the homepage of the University of Ottawa library website, click on Databases A-Z.
2. Under V, click on Vogue Archive. The page will redirect you.
3. Log in using the same credentials you use for uOzone.
New issues are added as they come out, so this is one database that’s never going out of style.
Not a uOttawa student? No worries! Many schools provide their students with access to these or similar services. Visit your university’s library website and look for Criterion-On-Demand, Audio Cine Films, PressReader, and the Vogue Archive with the other databases.
A world of entertainment awaits… but make sure not to forget about your favourite online college womxn’s magazine (*ahem*) in the wake of acquiring this knowledge. And now, to the databases!