Please comment on the proposed changes by March 19, 2007 if possible. [Deletions are in red] Additions are in blue. FN

Proposed Changes to FSCS Definitions for Audios [452] and Videos [453]--2007

Change the definitions of Audios and Videos to capture web-based audio-visual resources [downloadables and/or electronic units].

Rationale

Downloaded audios and videos should be counted in the totals regardless of whether or not the subtotals for this specialized delivery method are reported separately. By adding terms such as “electronic units,” downloads,” and “web-based” to the definitions for both Audios (452) and Videos (453), new electronic formats can be included in the totals for these types of materials.

These changes do not require new data elements. No new elements were created for tapes, CDs, DVDs etc. in part because of a general agreement that while the delivery method may change, the essential format itself remains the same, i.e., one still listens to audio, views video, or reads text. Whether something comes on a CD or tape (physical unit) or as a web-based “electronic unit” and is downloaded to the computer is irrelevant. One still needs a device to play the tune, listen to the audiobook, see the movie, or in the case of e-books, read the text.

It has never been deemed necessary to collect circulation data by type of material at the national level. Many if not all libraries that offer access to downloadable audios and videos are including usage data in their annual circulation. While it would be nice to see the impact of new formats on usage patterns, this level of detail is really beyond the scope of FSCS.

Also, while the language is not so specific as to include the term “electronic unit” the NISO definition (see Box 1) would appear to already allow the inclusion of units that don’t fit the “physical unit” mold.

Count Methodology

Count titles (or number of copies) available to library users that are accessible through the library’s online catalog (OPAC) and add to the totals for audio or video as appropriate.

States with ExperienceIdaho and Wisconsin added “electronic unit” term to definitions for audio and video in 2006.

Box 1. 4.2 Audio-Visual Materials (from NISO Z39.7 Data Dictionary)Materials that are displayed by visual projection or magnification, or through sound reproduction, or both, including sound recordings, motion pictures and video recordings, and graphic materials. Also included in this category are special visual materials such as three-dimensional artifacts and realia, and web-based audio-visual resources. Document in which sound and/or pictures are prominent, and which requires the use of special equipment to be seen and/or heard [ISO 5127-11]. Note 1: This includes audio documents such as records, tapes, cassettes, audio compact discs, files of digital audio recordings; visual documents such as slides, transparencies, and combined audio-visual documents such as motion pictures, video recordings, etc. Microforms are excluded.

Proposed Definition Edits

452 Audio - These are materials on which sounds (only) are stored (recorded) and that can be reproduced (played back) mechanically, electronically, or both. Include records, audiocassettes, audio cartridges, audio discs (including audio-CD-ROMs), audio-reels, talking books, and other sound recordings, such as web-based or downloaded audiobooks and MP3 files.

Report the number of physical units, both physical and electronic, including duplicates. [Delete: For smaller libraries, if physical unit data are not available, count the number of titles.] Items packaged together as a unit (e.g., two audiocassettes for one recorded book) and checked out as a unit are counted as one physical unit. For electronic units, report only items the library has selected as part of the collection and made accessible through the library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).

453 Video - These are materials on which moving pictures are recorded, with or without sound. Electronic playback reproduces pictures, with or without sound, using a television receiver or monitor. Video formats may include tape, DVD, CD-ROM, web-based or downloaded files, etc.

Report the number of [delete:physical] units, both physical and electronic, including duplicates. [delete:For smaller libraries, if physical unit data are not available, count the number of titles.] Items packaged together as a unit (e.g., two video cassettes for one movie) and checked out as a unit are counted as one physical unit. For electronic units, report only items the library has selected as part of the collection and made accessible through the library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).

The [electronic unit] methodology will need to be made very clear. As noted, many libraries offering this service do so as part of a cooperative consortia, so all titles are available in the catalog of each library. So does the methodology suggest that a combined electronic unit count of 3000 titles would be reported 47 times by all 47 members of a consortia?

Also, someone may point out that MARC records for titles that libraries make available via Overdrive is an optional, fee-based service from Overdrive. Many Overdrive sites may have opted to present access via their Overdrive interface alone, and did not pay extra to drop MARC records into their regular catalog. So under this methodology, would those sites get to count those titles or not?

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Also worth a thought that there ARE libraries that have not adopted an OPAC, yet participate in downloadable audio circ - should the ability to count be skewed by the method one uses to keep track of circulation?

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It would help to have more information about Overdrive.

Looking at their site, it looks as though audiobooks are listed by title. Does it not make more sense to count the total number of items (copies) to which the library subscribes?

I am not clear on checkout procedures. I see that an audiobook can be downloaded a chapter at a time, but is that after the entire book has been checked out? It would be a problem to count each downloaded chapter as a circulation, IMHO. I don't have a problem counting each unit (audiobook) as a circulation.