I'm old enough, just barely, to remember 78 rpm records. At one time libraries that offered 33 1/3 rpm records for loan to the public were considered cutting edge. With each technological advancement in the delivery of audio and video libraries have been faced with an ongoing dilemma.
At what point do you abandon an old format and embrace a new one? Let's take some cases in point and track the genesis of change and look at the issues libraries must address.
In the mid '70s many libraries circulated 8 and super 8mm films for home use. A few libraries also circulated 16mm feature films. By the mid '80s libraries were embracing videotape, although the debate between BETA and VHS raged on longer in libraries than the general marketplace. As we moved into the new millennium DVD became the video format of choice for libraries, although not many of us have eliminated our back stock of videotape. Today real time digital downloads of video content appear to be the direction the public will be embracing.
For many years the only people with access to audio book recordings were the blind and physically handicapped. These were bulky items originally on vinyl and subsequently on tape that involved public libraries in an inordinate amount of red tape. At some point in the '70's or early '80's books on tape became available to the general public. These items generated a substantial user base and subsequently became available in a cd and then an mp3 disc format. This was followed by real time digital downloads.
Format changes force libraries to evaluate what is being offered to customers and determine if we should change how we offer certain products and if it is our responsibility to continue to offer some products if they are readily available commercially. For example, there is no shortage of video stores or online alternatives. Despite this, libraries still circulate a high volume of DVDs and videotapes.
Format changes force libraries to examine how scarce collection dollars are allocated. Should we continue to add to the DVD collection, divert some money from DVD to digital downloads, or abandon the service altogether? If we choose to invest in digital downloads how many dollars are we willing to commit? If we choose to abandon not only a format but a popular service are we willing to accept the public outcry and an almost certain drop in circulation?
The questions are difficult and satisfactory solutions are elusive. I would be very interested in reader comments and suggestions that address these questions.
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Tuesday, February 5, 2008
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3 comments:
Firstly, I would like to say that the movie collection at the Des Moines Public Libraries is very impressive. My local branch (Franklin) frequently has a good selection of DVDs to rival any of the video rental chains and at a $1 rental price instead of $3.50 to $4 it is a great bargain. I frequently rent the complete seasons of television shows. My suggestion is to charge $2 instead of $1 for the smaller series (2-4 discs or 6 to 12 hours) and either split the larger series (5+ discs or 15 hour +) up in to 2 there for allowing a more comfortable time frame for viewing or charge $3 or $4 with a 2 week rental time. Hopefully the added funds would ensure that the libraries would continue to carry such an extensive DVD library (no pun intended). Thank you.
I would suggest that a survey be taken to gauge the public's enthusiasm and support for the new technology. I would base the amount of financial support to push the new technology on this survey, and on the support of the community leadership & business leaders/organizations.
Gradually decrease support for older systems, like dvds, as public support/interest wanes.
Thank you. c
Well, I certainly hope you don't get rid of VHS tapes just *because* they're VHS tapes! Some educational series aren't yet available on DVD. At least keep those around. I like the idea of forthcoming downloadable media. Good luck with that.
But concerning video and audio, I would love to see implemented a way that I could use that material right there in the library. I'd like to see carrels with little TV/player combo units in them.
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