The capabilities of online catalogs have improved the quality of searchingfor all formats, print and audiovisual, but their impact on the retrieval of audiovisual materials has been phenomenal. In order to maintain access by format, libraries were reluctant to integrate their audiovisual materials in union card catalogs, preferring to maintain a separate catalog for audiovisual materials. However, the online catalog allows the user to bring together all versions of a work or limit a search to one format only. In contrast, few campus media centers offer the same level of cataloging or universal access to their catalog. Collections in departmental librariesand campus computing centers often receive no cataloging at all.
Libraries typically offer better hours of service and easier access.
At least one university media center houses its film and video collection at a remote location, requiring users to order films and videos for viewing the day before, so they can be delivered to an on-campus viewing site. Most media centers require in-house viewing, except for classroom showings. Libraries deliver videorecordings and other materials on demand, with no waiting period. Libraries are also more likely to circulate video recordings at least to faculty for a limited time period. Library collections are developed to support campus instruction and research based upon collection development and selection policies.