AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES

The Boston Public Library  Audiovisual Center provides video cassettes and 16 mm films directly to member libraries and indirectly to customers of member libraries.

General Policies

The Media Catalog www.bpl.org/catalogs/frame_viscnsl.htm is a separate collection of 16mm films and videos for programming use by libraries and organizations in Massachusetts.  

Use the direct link above to access the Media Catalog or go to the Boston Public Library homepage www.bpl.org,  Explore the BPL Catalogs. Scroll down to MEDIA CATALOG (#6). Click on MEDIA CATALOG and conduct a search.

For information on registering an organization and borrowing, contact Audiovisual Services, BPL Central Library, Concourse Level at 617-536-5400 ext. 2317 or your local library.

Material in the Media Catalog collection is not available for use by individual borrowers. Many of the titles in the Media Catalog are available in the AV Circulating Collection.

Registration

All Metrowest Public Libraries are registered to borrow audiovisual materials from the Boston Public Library.

Organizations should register with their local public library. Once an organization has registered, the library  will be able to request materials for the organization.

Requesting Materials

There is an online Booking Request Form that appears when a title is selected from the Media Catalog. This is the preferred format for requesting audiovisual materials.

Libraries may also fax requests directly to the AV Center 617-266-5970 at least 3 days prior to show date. The fax should include the library name and address, a contact person, library fax number, the list of items requested, and date to show each item.

The AV Center does not provide direct service to the general public. Phone calls should be limited to matters of urgent concern, not for booking.

Confirmations will be faxed or sent via delivery.

AV materials must be picked up at and returned to the public library specified on the confirmation and packing slip.

Circulation Policies

Advance Notice:


If possible, request materials at least two weeks in advance. In any case, a  minimum of three days advance notice is required to process AV requests. Depending on the distance from Boston and the delivery system, 3 days may not be sufficient.

Length of Loan

:
film and videos = based on need 

Items per booking

:
films=unspecified; videos=unspecified

Loss or damage

:
the borrower of record must provide restitution for any loss or irreparable damage to AV Center materials

Returns:


use original cases or bags, scratch off your library name on shipping label, and return via regional delivery to reach the AV Center by the due date.

For more information, contact the Boston Public Library Audiovisual Office:
Phone: 617-536-5400 ext. 2317
FAX:617-266-5970

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