Acquisitions Department

Audio-Visual 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.

Send questions/comments/suggestions to Foster Bunday Acquisitions Department | The University of Memphis | University Libraries 126 Ned R. McWherter Library | Memphis, TN 38152-3250 Phone: (901) 678-2203 | Fax: (901) 678-8218