[Publib] Changing Formats in the AV section

[James Casey]

I agree with Norm and would also indicate that not all communities
gravitate towards new media at the same pace.  Here in Suburban Chicago,
some of the libraries serving more affluent communities up on the north
side began to get dvds very early on while the more blue collar
communities on south side were still desirous of VHS tapes.  We didn't
shift our purchasing to dvd until early 2004 --- pretty late in the game
compared to many libraries serving the north suburbs --- and have kept
our VHS available for the many patrons who still use that older
equipment.   

 

It pays to be a bit cautious before leaping into the "latest and
greatest" media when it comes to AV.  I recall Libraries years ago that
invested heavily in "video discs" and "beta" cassettes only to find that
they were soon to become worthless to the patrons who never bought the
equipment.  We were also among the last libraries to get rid of the old
record albums.  Patrons would thank us profusely for still having them
back in the early 1990s. The "cutting edge" can sometimes be a "bleeding
edge" when it comes to changing formats in AV.  Timing this stuff is not
an "exact science".  

 

James B. Casey  -- My own views

Director of Oak Lawn Public Library

ALA Council Member - Candidate for Re-election.

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Reeder, Norm
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2007 10:43 AM
To: Wolferman, Stephanie; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Changing Formats in the AV section

 

My answer isn't going to be scientific here.  One of the things I watch
for is the "Christmas Season".  What is the hottest new technology
seller for that season.  That's when a lot of players are purchased.
When one or the other formats (there are now two competing formats, and
blu-ray is only one) finally gets enough market share to become mass
market, then we begin to invest and change there. Generally the players
have to be under $500 for them to become mass market items.

 

Right now we aren't buying either of the two formats as few people have
the players and there aren't that many titles out yet.  It's the same
old "which came first the chicken or the egg?" Thing.  People don't buy
the players because there aren't many discs out.  Disc makers don't
flood the market with new format discs because there aren't many players
to play them yet.  There has to be a kind of build up so there's enough
mass market support for one format or the other.  Blu-Ray is being
helped by being included in the Sony game player box.  But there are
also big names behind the other format too.  

 

Thanks

Norm

 

Norm Reeder

Library Services Manager

Torrance Public Library

3301 Torrance Blvd

Torrance, CA 90503

310-618-5950

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