We have a number of titles from Films Media Group and several of the video (and audio) databases from Alexander Street Press. Our experience has been extremely positive with both vendors. It's true, bandwidth can be an issue for some institutions, and it has been a concern for us in relation to routing the streaming titles through our Proxy server. This is something I was just made aware of. But no complaints at this point in time. I guess there is always the potential for a burp.
Anyway, I'm sure plenty on this list have the expertise to respond to more particulars, but your IT department should be able to assess your specific situation. Regardless, our patrons have been very, very happy with the selected titles/collections. We are working successfully with other distributors as well, although some require us to host and serve the content locally which is working so far. I still purchase lots of hard-copy video and audio, but all things considered having dependable access to streaming media, as appropriate, is seen very positively by our patrons. Rue Rue McKenzie Coordinator of Media Collections Academic Resources University of South Florida Library 4202 Fowler Ave., LIB122 Tampa, FL 33620 813-974-6342 From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Wendy Davis Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 11:35 AM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: [Videolib] Streaming collections and bandwidth I am investigating the Films Media Group streaming collections and also looking at the Alexander Street Press collections. I am worried about bandwidth issues, both collections will be hosted, but will they still tax our bandwidth so much that they will be frustrating and counterproductive? Does anyone have either of these? What has been your experience? Thanks! Wendy
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.
