Issues in academic library streaming video

Abstract

The maturation of streaming video as a format for media collections and distribution in academic libraries brings with it the emergence of new and complex issues. These issues may have profound impact on the ongoing implementation of streaming video operations. This paper briefly presents, from the perspective of an experienced academic media librarian, more than a dozen issues facing academic libraries providing streaming video. Issues addressed include costs, discovery, work flow, hosting, ADA compliance, access to feature films, and the challenge of preserving collections in legacy video formats.