I was faced with a similar question in my first month as a media librarian. Faculty from multiple departments had been making requests for over a year now for a copy of a 30 minute documentary that we couldn't find through any of the usual vendors. When I found it for $600 from the studio I ultimately based my decision on:
1. The number of faculty requests 2. Input from subject reference librarians 3. The cultural significance of the film (this happened to be a big one) I also worked with the studio rep to bring the price down to the barely more manageable price of $400; this reduced price was what made it possible. Given the cost though I decided that it had better be well-used so I made sure to find some reviews (both popular and scholarly) that debated the film's socio-historical significance and provided references to these as related teaching material in my announcements to the library, faculty, and students about the film's arrival. So far so good. I hope that helps & good luck! -lisa H. Music & Media Librarian Howard-Tilton Memorial Library Tulane University [email protected] 504.314.7822 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sarah E. McCleskey Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:22 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Videolib] question about pricing Do you think $500 for a documentary is kind of out of line? That is for direct from producer. Producer says they are in process of partnering with an educational distributor and that the price may go up. Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services Acting Director, FIlm and Media Library 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549-1230 516-463-5076 [email protected]
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
