The primary formats for Audio Visual additions to the collection, either by gift or purchase, are Compact Disc (CD), Digital Video Disc (DVD), streaming audio, and streaming video.  In rare instances for important content which not available on these preferred formats, Video Home System (VHS) tapes may be considered.

In contrast to earlier Audiovisual policies, the University Libraries no longer collects slides, audiocassettes, films (8mm, 16mm), nor filmstrips.  We do still collect print material on microfilm, microfiche, and other micro-formats.

Emerging and recent formats such as Blu-ray(tm) Disc (BD) and High Definition/Density Digital Video Disc (HD-DVD) are not collected nor supported.

All licensing agreements including but not limited to performance and access licenses and forms or legal documents regarding copyright are to be negotiated between the vendor and the Library through the Associate Dean and the University's legal council. Acquisitions personnel will not sign such agreements.

policy updated 01/25/10 - KWM

policy superceded:

Before orders are placed or gifts are accepted for audio-visual material, three points are considered:
the formats available, the availability of suitable hardware, and the possibility of alternative sources of supply.

Within the visual media the following guidelines will be observed:

1. 2” x 2” slides: purchased only when specifically requested;
2. filmstrips and cassettes: purchased only when specifically requested;
3. 16mm films: usually very expensive; purchased only when specifically requested;
4. ½” VHS videocassette (Video Home System): the most popular format;
   Purchase only NTSC, the television encoding systems standard used in the USA.
5. DVD: Do NOT select Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD formats.

When no format is specified, choose the VHS format.

All requests for visual media and the subsequent purchase orders must specify exactly the format and accompanying material to be received, e.g. number of reels, cassettes, teacher's guides. Each request for films or videocassettes must be screened for alternative sources and lower prices, e.g. Tennessee Board of Regents Media Consortium.

All licensing agreements and forms or legal documents regarding copyright are to be negotiated between the vendor and the Library. Acquisitions personnel will not sign such agreements.

This page was last reviewed 04/19/2010
please send questions / comments / suggestions to
Kevin Merriman, Head of Collection Management