2. "Videocassette: The self-contained video
tape system that became a major means
of distributing filmed entertainment product
in the 1980's and that, as a byproduct,
turned most of the middle class into
filmmakers-of a sort. Videocassettes use
3/4-inch, 1/2-inch or 8-mm magnetic tape
enclosed in a plastic box with its own
reels."

3. Videotape: a flexible, ribbon-like strip of
polyester upon which magnetic signals are
arranged and thus stored. The signals may
be recorded, by rearranging magnetic
particles that are on the tape, or played
back, by reading signals from the arranged
particles on the tape.

4.  Beta - The half-inch videocassette consumer format
introduced by SONY in 1976 as "Betamax."(2)
 Dropout - a loss of a portion of the audio/visual signal;
appears as small white holes in the picture.
 Frequency response - a measurement of the range of
frequencies a tape is capable of reproducing.
 Noise - caused by unwanted or crossed signals that appear in
the picture.
 Snow - noise or dropout.
 Tracking - controls the angle at which the tape passes the
heads .
 VHS - (Video Home System) JVC's half-inch videocassette
format.(3)
 Video S/N ratio - the ratio of pure video signal to noise; the
higher the ratio, the better.

5.  Videotape easily and inexpensively reproduces visual
images with color, motion, and synchronized sound.
No developing or processing is required. Equipment is
standardized. Training for basic operation is minimal.
 Videotape is a linear recording method, unlike DVD's
which are stamped out in a manner similar to vinyl
audio records.
 Any videotape can record in either black and white or
color. Color is the function of the camera, recorder and
monitor.
 Videotapes can be viewed immediately after
recording.

6.  Media can be viewed by a large group of people
simultaneously.
 Cost of producing a videotape is much less than that for a
comparable-length film.
 Instant playback capability (no processing required).
 Fast forward, stop, reverse, pause.
 Tape may be easily erased and reused.
 No need for a projector and screen, or computer and monitor.
 Equipment is relatively easy to operate.
 Life of the tape is increased because there is no need to touch
the ribbon.
 Relatively compact/portable.
 Easy to mail.
 Familiar television format.
 Format is popular and standardized.

7.  Requires electronic equipment to produce and view.
 May be easily erased if precautions are not taken to
prevent it.
 Medium may not be long lasting.
 Some degree of the picture signal is lost each time the
tape is played.
 Machinery necessary to read the tape may become
obsolete.
 The media and recording/ playback equipment is
somewhat fragile.
 Copyright laws must be considered
 Must be duplicated by re-recording, as opposed to
stamped out reproductions (time consuming).

8.  Potential for Use: The media librarian must
first ask themselves, and then determine by
surveying potential users, the answers to the
following questions. Will this material be
used? Do users have convenient access to
videocassette players? Which titles will
receive the greatest and best use?
 Appropriate Media: As with any medium, the
collection development librarian should
answer the basic question: "Is this the media
best suited to deliver the message?"

9.  Breadth and Balance: Once specific needs have been
determined it is important to fulfill those needs
effectively. This requires a selection of video titles that
cover all needs (breadth) equally, without personal bias
(balance).
 Duplication of Service: If popular titles are being
offered at the local video rental store, or educational
videos are available for viewing at a nearby
educational institution, it is not necessary to offer
similar titles or services, unless the need for service
duplication is great.
 Value: Weighing the users' needs with the quality of
the production and content, is the videocassette worth
the price?

10. Quality of Picture
Check the speed at which the tape was
recorded. The slower the tape speed
during recording, the grainier the television
picture during playback.
Quality of Sound
Consider the type of audio on the tape. Is
the audio track mono or stereo, analog or
digital? What level of quality is appropriate
for this production?

11. Quality of Content
 Presentation
Consider the accuracy of the content presented.
Consider the point-of-view of the creator; is the
bias in keeping with the needs of the users?
 Organization
Is the video's content understandable? "The
program should have some logical order to it, and
points need to be made clearly and completely.
Any conclusion should be spelled out, and the
expertise of those delivering the information should
be established."

12. Editing: When purchasing or renting a
videotape, it is important to view the tape
to ensure that portions of the programming
have not been edited. This is especially
true for motion pictures which have been
dubbed to tape format.
Script
Is the video entertaining and/or
informative?

13. Appropriateness
Does the video fulfill the needs of the user.
In a school library, does it follow the
curriculum? In a children's library, does it fit
the age group? In a special library, does it
enhance the knowledge of a specific
subject?

14.  Temperature should be kept at 70 degrees
(+/- 4) and should not vary +/- 5 degrees
during a 24 hour period.
 Relative humidity should be kept stable and
low, and should not vary +/- 5 degrees during
a 24 hour period.
 Rewind in same environmental conditions as
the storage conditions before storage, and
the same environment as operating
equipment before playing or recording.

15.  Store videotapes away from any magnetic
field which can be created by electric motors,
demagnetizers, or bulk erasers. The magnetic
field can damage both the video and audio
signals and the control track.
 Air must be clean and free of pollutants.
 There should be no dust or smoke present in
storage or operating environment.
 Do not touch the oxide side of videotape.

16.  Tension must not be too tight or loose.
 Monitor tape conditions. (damaged edges,
residue, etc.)
 Recopy when deterioration is noticeable,
and/or the format is about to become
obsolete.
 Both tape and machine should be conditioned
in the same environment.
 Before using shipped tapes, re-equilibrate
them 24-28 hours in the same environment
as the machine.
 Store videotapes upright.

17. Repair rather than replace when needed.

18. Crunched/wrinkled tape in machine
Too much back tension will shut down the
machine
Broken tape
Picture bending
Photolamp burnout
Noises which may indicate: worn belts,
motors need lubrication, tape threading
problems

19. Cassettes should be cleaned after every
30-40 hours of use.
Equipment should be professionally
cleaned and serviced every 1,000-2,000
hours.
Use dust covers.
Remove tapes from machine when not in
use.

20. Written policies on Selection, Acquisition,
Maintenance, and Circulation of
videocassettes are recommended. Not only
to provide guidelines for library staff, but also
to present a statement of purpose for the
collection's users. On issues such as
censorship, equity of information sources,
security, cost, etc., the written policy can help
define the viewpoint of the institution, and
place responsibility on policy makers rather
than library staff.

21.  Purpose of Collection
 Selection process
 Selection sources
 Selection criteria
 Collection maintenance
This policy should include guidelines in
writing for multiple copies, evaluation of
materials, replacement of lost, stolen or
damaged materials, weeding, and a gift or
donation policy.

22.  Policies for acquiring videotapes should be set and
followed to ensure a quality collection. The staff, in
conjunction with the media manager and subject
specialists, should make up a selection committee,
which should preview tapes to assure that they
meet the minimum criteria for purchase. Since the
production and content quality vary greatly,
previewing the tapes should be emphasized. The
criteria should follow the mission of the institution
and represent a meaningful collection-
development policy.

23. Restricted loan periods.
Loan tapes only, not equipment.
Loan duplicate copies rather than the
original when possible.
Copyright laws must be made available to
patrons.
Statement of liability for use.
Statement of liability for damage.
Loan policy for minors.

24. Reservations/scheduling, or first come,
first served?
Waiting list?
Preview only machines?
Time limit for VCR use?
ID for use required?

25.  "The cataloging and classification of
videocassettes should be a given in any library
collection“. In the past, videocassettes were often
not given the same consideration in cataloging as
printed materials. Whether the videocassette
collection is integrated into the print collection, or
housed separately, it is crucial that videos be given
equity in the scope, level, and quality of
cataloging. Videocassette cataloging should be
integrated into the main catalog. The primary
difference from print cataloging is title main entry,
rather than author main entry.

26.  For the convenience of the user, videocassettes should be
cataloged and classified using the same subject heading
scheme as the book collection (LC, Dewey, etc.). Many
libraries have used accession numbers, or title alphabetization
schemes for fiction and nonfiction titles, this is confusing to the
user and should be avoided. If proper storage conditions
allow, or can be attained, nonfiction titles should be integrated
into the print collection. Fiction videocassettes may either be
integrated, (divided by genre and loosely integrated into
corresponding print genre areas), or housed separately and
displayed alphabetically by title either as a whole or in genre
divisions (Mystery, Musicals, Action/Adventure), depending on
the preference of the users.

27.  Videocassettes rely more heavily on their cover to
disclose content than do books, which can be
easily skimmed or sampled. Therefore, extra
consideration should given to the packaging of
videocassettes. Although the videocassette's
original packaging may be too fragile to survive
heavy use, or for shelving considerations a
uniformity of packaging may be desired, as much
of the original packaging should be retained and
displayed with the videocassette. Original
packaging can be trimmed down, or reproduced at
a different size to accommodate new cassette
cases.

28.  Security for videotapes should only exceed
security for other library materials if a dramatic
disproportionate loss-rate can be proven. In all
other circumstances, security should be similar to
the other media in the collection. An exception to
this is magnetic strip security systems, which in
their use (usually through deactivation) can
severely damage the quality of the videotape.
Alternative solutions involve a pass-around
method, that does not deactivate the magnetic
strip, but surpasses the alarm, and placing the
magnetic security strips on security cases that can
be removed by a staff member.