[Original posting on this topic appeared April 8 and was reproduced with
Responses #1-2 on April 13.]
From: "Hickok, John" <jhickok_at_Exchange.FULLERTON.EDU>
The audiovisual section of the library at California State University
Fullerton still maintains both a record (vinyl LP) collection and a film
(16mm) collection. While some libraries are abandoning these formats, we
still see usage and importance in keeping them. Regarding records, they
have a near-infinite life span (if well cared for), provide better fidelity
than magnetic recordings (cassettes), and serve as a good compliment to a CD
collection while you are trying to build that. For films, many older films
are unique titles that are no longer is distribution, yet still very
relevant or requested (example: a B&W educational documentary on Piaget,
showing him actually talking and working with children).
True, keeping these formats is not without problems or costs (i.e.
maintaining working turntables and projectors). Your decision to keep them
should be based on the needs of your user-population.
If your institution does decide to abandon these formats, then yes, you
should certainly send them to better uses than the landfills. Records could
be given to used/vintage record stores. 16mm films can be given (and in
certain cases, sold) to stock-footage companies who repackage them. An
example would be: Alpha Blue Archives in Oakland, CA. 510-268-0811.
John Hickok
Audiovisual Librarian
California State University, Fullerton
(714) 278-4394
jhickok_at_fullerton.edu <mailto:jhickok_at_fullerton.edu>
Received on Sat Apr 15 2000 - 11:47:17 EDT