Hello Gail,
1) We order Blu-ray discs for the collection when we anticipate that a
dvd will be heavily used / very popular (recent awards titles like
Argo), if they are extremely visual (Samsara, Planet Earth), or a little
of both (Life of Pi).
2) Yes, we always try to get a standard definition copy of titles we
purchase on Blu-ray in the collection. There just aren't anywhere near
enough patrons or classrooms outfitted with Blu-ray technology to
justify a wholesale transition away from standard def.
3) We don't go out of our way to buy the combo-packs, because
unfortunately we're not able to request 'special' cataloging for
multi-part sets. But, there are some distributors / studios who are
only releasing certain films as combo-packs (Sony Pictures Classics
comes to mind, such as the film Margaret). In these cases it will only
appear at first glance that we have the Blu-ray in our collection, even
when there is a standard-def disc included in the packaging. We have to
make a special effort to train our desk staff and patrons to look for
the content note in these instances. Combo-packs are also a nice bonus
when we have particularly high demand for a title. For instance, we
have two standard definition copies of Argo, and one Blu-ray
combo-pack. If the two standard-def DVDs are checked out, we can
accommodate a third patron who doesn't have a Blu-ray player with the
Blu-ray disc, thanks to the 'bonus' standard-def disc that's included.
Hope this helps,
*************************
Meghann Matwichuk, M.S.
Associate Librarian
Film and Video Collection Department
Morris Library, University of Delaware
181 S. College Ave.
Newark, DE 19717
(302) 831-1475
http://www.lib.udel.edu/filmandvideo
On 4/8/2013 2:25 PM, Gail Gawlik wrote:
Hi, wise media people.
We have just received our first request for blu-ray discs and are
wondering what other academic libraries are doing. Up until now, we
have only purchased DVDs and an occasional VHS-tape if the film is
only available in that format. We were wondering how other academic
libraries handle this new-ish format.
In particular:
1. Do you order blu-ray discs as a matter of course or only as a
special request?
2. If you order the blu-ray version, do you also get the film on DVD?
2. Do you try to get those DVD/blu-ray combo packs whenever you can?
(They look like a pretty good deal.)
And does the media crowd here expect blu-ray to replace DVDs in the
near future?
Thanks!
Gail
Gail Gawlik
Head of Technical Services
Brown Library
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL
Wearing sensible shoes proudly since 1969.
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.
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.
