ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9035-3330
Abstract
Low usage statistics for library resources are a big concern for the librarians at the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo State, so we were unprepared for the popularity of a new streaming video patron-driven acquisitions (PDA) program. Though it was slow to take off, when it did, usage increased suddenly and dramatically. After depleting the initial budget for the resource, we allocated more funds and then quickly depleted those additional funds. At that point, we changed to a mediated model to help control the costs, but that greatly increased work for our Acquisitions Department and raised collection development questions we had not considered when we began the PDA program. To continue to offer a streaming video PDA program, we reviewed various models and controls before deciding on an approach that we hoped would give users good options, curtail costs, and minimize workloads.
This paper will provide a quick summary of our program’s explosive growth, what we did to control costs, the unforeseen consequences, and how we tried to enhance the experience for everyone. We conclude with the current state of streaming video PDA at our library. This paper will provide practical information for small to mid-sized academic libraries that have recently begun or are contemplating streaming video PDA.
Streaming Video PDA: Brace Yourself, Usage Is Coming
Low usage statistics for library resources are a big concern for the librarians at the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo State, so we were unprepared for the popularity of a new streaming video patron-driven acquisitions (PDA) program. Though it was slow to take off, when it did, usage increased suddenly and dramatically. After depleting the initial budget for the resource, we allocated more funds and then quickly depleted those additional funds. At that point, we changed to a mediated model to help control the costs, but that greatly increased work for our Acquisitions Department and raised collection development questions we had not considered when we began the PDA program. To continue to offer a streaming video PDA program, we reviewed various models and controls before deciding on an approach that we hoped would give users good options, curtail costs, and minimize workloads.
This paper will provide a quick summary of our program’s explosive growth, what we did to control costs, the unforeseen consequences, and how we tried to enhance the experience for everyone. We conclude with the current state of streaming video PDA at our library. This paper will provide practical information for small to mid-sized academic libraries that have recently begun or are contemplating streaming video PDA.