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. The librarians who select video for library collections need not worry about the appeal of these collections to potential off-campus borrowers. Thus, their collections can be more directly responsive to specific teaching and research needs of the university user population.