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Collection Guidelines - Other Collections
Audio Visual Materials
Audio visual materials are acquired to support the teaching, learning and research needs of the University. Materials are currently held in a variety of formats including CDs, Videocassette, DVDs, digital video and audio and kits.
New material is normally acquired in the most useful and appropriate format for users.
Decisions on the most appropriate format for the acquisition of audiovisual materials will be considered in relation to the following criteria:
- intended teaching, learning or research uses
- availability of equipment to view materials
- ease of use
- robustness
- cost
- alternative formats available
- expected redundancy time
- licensing, access or usage restrictions
- ease of storage or maintenance
Superseded formats
Audio visual formats can change regularly as new technologies emerge and older formats are superseded. The Library aims to maintain a current audiovisual collection using modern technologies but recognises that collections may contain a mix of old and new formats during times of technological change.
Decisions to no longer acquire or support dated or superseded formats will be based on factors such as lack of availability, lack of equipment and issues with useability and maintenance.
Format shifting of audio visual content to more up to date formats may be possible but is subject to copyright or licensing conditions. Conversion projects can be costly and time consuming so items are normally considered on a title by title basis. The Library will regularly assess items with ageing formats for possible replacement or conversion.
Selection and deselection of audiovisual resources is consistent with the Library Collection Guidelines regarding subject scope and the Deselection (Weeding) Guidelines. The replacement and/or weeding of superseded or out of date formats is seen as a high priority to maintain the usefulness and relevance of the collection.
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