Deborah Benrubi wrote: A unified search portal that offers preview clips would be ideal, though it probably would never include all the independent filmmakers and distributors. We do have some tools at hand though. I'm always surprised that more librarians don't use worldcat.org to identify potential titles, and find distributors for known titles.
WorldCat is definitely a resource. I think the issue with it, though, is that lack of accompanying review. Given that the cost of documentary films is often quite high - especially when compared to books - it's harder to make the call to just purchase something based on its title and subject areas. This is, again, why NMM is so vital for me - I get the chance to view the content and assess the quality of the filmmaking before handing over my dollars. (Do I sound like an NMM commercial?) Susan Albrecht
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.
