Audio and Video Equipment Basics for Libraries

Sound recordings have existed since the last quarter of the 19th century, and libraries have collected them since the early 20th century. Where recordings—both audio and video—differ most notably from books is that they all need some kind of playback device: some intermediary piece or pieces of equipment between the user and the object. The world of audio and video gear is frequently foreign to many librarians, and what libraries need in terms of equipment is often different from the needs of both the individual audiophile and the professional sound archivist. Moreover, today’s changing audio landscape—including audio/video streaming via the internet and the emergence of the iPod culture—have called into question the need for valuable library space to be occupied by listening/viewing carrels. Audio and Video Equipment Basics for Libraries presents all the information librarians need to know to make intelligent decisions about providing listening and viewing facilities in libraries. Everything from what to look for when buying new equipment, to how it works, to what to think about when designing a new listening facility or retrofitting an existing space is considered.

Author Biography

Jim Farrington is Head of Public Services at the Sibley Music Library, Eastman School of Music, where he also teaches music bibliography and a seminar on the history and aesthetics of sound recordings.