The State of Streaming Video Content at Academic Libraries

Abstract This paper provides a literature review of academic library collection activities related to the provision of streaming video content in support of higher education curricula. It reviews the budgetary, collection management, licensing, technology, and acquisition processes and associated challenges that the provision of streaming video content poses for academic libraries in offering this much needed content to their patron base. The authors present a recent history of developing academic video collections, the transition to and increased demand for the streaming video format, and the evaluations required of funding models and vendor supply models to make the availability of streaming video content sustainable in the academic environment. The article also reviews current and future research and planned collaboration which hold great promise in addressing the current challenges academic libraries face in offering streaming video content to their patrons.