re: Debra's question, Randal to Mandel , et al.,
I liked Barb Bergman's idea of setting aside an amount to cover PPR fees. I
have a running argument with our collection development person about this,
since he tends to pay for PPR on almost anything we purchase, esp. if the list
price is "Universities and higher ed. ... $250, includes PPR." i.e We don't
generally question that published statement. But we've had more than one
disagreement over a video that can be purchased for $19.95, which will almost
certainly ONLY be used in the classroom, but which acquisitions will still pay
PPR "just in case."
But to Debra's specific points:
1) no we don't have a policy on this, but anything over $300-400 gets an
eyebrow raised. e.g. the StarThrower videos of Joel Barker, et al. get a thumbs
down. We just can't afford it. Or the "Abilene Paradox" managing agreement
video -- ixnay. I have proposed sharing videos with the requesting dept., even
suggesting a co-sponsored workshop to recoup some cost, but in general other
depts. want the library to pay, not their dept. In lieu of policy documents I
simply write an effusive letter that says no in more words than necessary.
2) We've agreed to work with both student groups and depts. on these types of
series, and we will cover PPR *if* there is liklihood that the videos will be
shown again in regular classes. We work pretty much from a curriculum model.
One example is a Women and Islam series of six videos that we did over the
course of a semester. We covered the PPR fees on that and those films have
continued to be popular in many classes. We have been able to get some matching
funds a couple times in the past -- it's not a problematic issue at the moment.
3) We don't have a policy on that -- at least that I know of (to quote Ellen
DeGeneres). Given my opening gambit you can probably see why. Basically unless
some dept. wants tp partner with us, we take the hit on PPR. It's more or less
an assumption that it's the library's job to do that.
Hope this helps. Please know that I have GOOD relations with my colleagues and
these disagreements are more like thought pieces rather than internecine
warfare. PPR, schmeePR, it's more fun to have beer on Fridays (I maintain my
snobbery and drink mourvèdre) and keep kvetching, than really get serious about
it. When the money is gone, it's gone. But I keep trying to convince them that
most of these never leave the classroom context.
Yours, reb
----- Original Message -----
From: "Debra Mandel" <d.man...@neu.edu>
To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 3:09:10 PM
Subject: [Videolib] Video Cool Dev.Policies Covering Cost and Special Series
Dear Colleagues,
I would appreciate if anyone could send me sample policies or collection
development excerpts which deal specifically with:
1. Responding to purchases for single titles from one faculty member over
$xxx amount (what amount??
2. Requests for titles that are part of a one-time series (Humanities
Dept., Language, special symposium, etc.) How many titles, what amount??
3. Policies that covers whose responsibility it is to obtain and pay for
public performance rights
For example, I recently had a request from one faculty member who wanted the
library to purchase a DVD for $650 because she was inviting the filmmaker to
her class and wanted to show his film. She was not opening this up to a wider
audience. Rental was about $395. The dept. had no funds to kick in. The library
will not cover either cost. I had to say no. The distributor would not
negotiate.
There have been several requests for film series, more than 6 titles. Neither
dept. was willing to kick in funds.
We do not have one media budget—selectors order films from their subject areas,
along with books. Our budget have been drastically cut due to the current
climate, increase of e-materials and other steadily climbing resources.
Oftentimes, I will reach out to other librarians to share in the cost of one
title, but sometimes I get no feedback.
Without a policy, librarians are having a difficult time deciding where to draw
the line. I hate to arbitrarily decide on a price, particularly if the film is
outstanding, is interdisciplinary. and comes bundled with PPR, so I thought I
would ask you what you are doing. How do you negotiate, say that depts. must
kick in ---&age for special events, expensive titles.
I have been a media librarian for 100 years, and lately I have felt guilty
saying no. The reality is just getting harder.
Debra
Debra H. Mandel,
Head, Digital Media Design Studio
Northeastern University Libraries
360 Huntington Ave.
200 SL
Boston, MA 02115
617-373-4902; 617-373-5409-Fax
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.
