Multimedia Seeds: Management: Collection Development: Selection Criteria

list When selecting audio and video materials, you’ll probably start with some general criteria, then identify specific criteria based on the particular media type.

Although the criteria will vary from library to library, the following resources will help you get started.

Overall

Potential audience. Who will use the resource? Will the resource be used by a narrow or broad audience? Will the audience use justify the purchase?
Life. How long will the resource last in terms of durability, technology, and interest?
Price. Is the resource worth the price?
Quality. Does the resource contribute in a positive way to the overall collection?
Balance. Are other materials already available in other formats? Is this resource important to balance the collection?
Availability. Is this resource available from another source? For example, is it online for free?
Content. Is the resource accurate, current, appropriate, and objective?
Value. Has the resource won awards or received favorable reviews?
Known. Is the resource known to the public? For example, many people know about the PBS programs and Biography series.
Unique. Does the resource contribute to the collection in a unique way? For example, does it provide a new perspective the collection?

Need and Usage

Interests. Does the resource meet the interests and needs of the audience?
Purpose. Will it educate, entertain, or both? Is this a need?
Depth. Is the depth and length appropriate for the intended audience?
Approach. Is the point of view, language, and maturity level appropriate for the intended audience?
Standards. If it’s intended for use in schools, does it address specific curriculum standards?

Content Quality

Audience. Is the content appropriate for its intended audience?
Format. Is the subject suitable for the format (i.e., audio, video)?
Authority. Is the content creator known and knowledgeable?
Authenticity. Is the content accurate and correct?
Reliability. Is the content trustworthy? Is sponsorship or purpose clear to the audience?
Timeliness. Is the content current and up-to-date? Is the topic timely?
Relevance. Does the content match the purpose of the work?
Efficient. Is the content worth the effort and time in reading, viewing, or listening?
Appeal. Is the content stimulating and interesting?
Originality. Is the content interesting and imaginative (i.e., style, creativity, originality)?
Vocabulary. Is the vocabulary appropriate for the intended audience?
Objectivity. If the content contains a specific point of view, slant, or bias, does it contribute in a positive way to the resource? Will the fact, opinions, parody, or satire be clear to the audience?
Story. Is the content well-written in terms of plot, character development, and subject matter?
Treatment. Is the treatment appropriate for the subject (i.e., animation, documentary)?
Performances. Are the performances effective?
Organization. Is the content well-organized, easily followed, and presented in an effective manner?
Editing. Is the content well-edited including pacing and sequencing?
Features. Are special features effective (i.e., background information, supplemental materials)?
Special Needs. Are options provided for special needs (i.e., captioning, language choices)?

Technical Quality

Cinematography. Is the overall cinematography effective (i.e., technically correct, synchronization and association of sound and visuals, compelling, seamless)?
Visual Elements. Are the visual elements effective (i.e., viewpoint, composition, focus, exposure, color, clarity, special effects)?
Sound Elements. Are the sound elements effective (i.e., sound quality, voice and music quality, clarity)?
Editing. Is the editing effective (i.e., smooth, rhythm, continuity, pacing)?
Performances. Is the acting and/or narration effective (i.e., voice, timing, convincing)?
Technology. Does the technology work effectively (i.e., skipping, missing elements, poor navigation)?

Packaging Quality

Storage Case. Does the original case protect the item?
Package Contents. Is the inside information accurate, attractive, and effective (i.e., manuals, advertising, contents information)?
Overall
Overall. Do the technical, content, and use elements combine to produce an effective production?

Specific Media

Audio Books. Add some of the following items: Does the book expand the thinking of the reader? Does the material lend itself to the medium? Is the narrator effective? Is the spoken word and cadence effective? Is the tone and tension of the voice effective? Does the voice bring the story alive?Look for innovative uses of audio. For example, the ALA notable audiobook called Charlie Parker Played Be Bop contains effective narration along with music. Read the School Library Journal review.

Video. Add some of the following items: Will this format be used (i.e., videocassette, DVD)? Do the users have convenient access to a player? Is this the best medium for the message? Does this duplicate something available at the local video store? Is it worth the price?

Use the following online resources for more information on developing selection policies:

District Selection Policies from California Dept. of Education - guidelines for development
KidsFirst from the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media - articles and reviews to help people make informed decisions about children's use of video and audio.
Media Evaluation Form: A Proposal by Clara DiFelice, Elizabeth Miller, and Naomi Rhodes
Discusses the purpose and procedures for media evaluation.
Multimedia Product Reviews from Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), University of Texas at Austin - sample selection criteria
Selected DVDs & Videos for Young Adults from ALA - sample selection criteria
Video Reference Tools and Selection Aids: A Highly Selective List from the Media Resources Center from University of California, Berkeley - provides excellent list of resources.
Workbook for Selection Policy Writing from ALA - resources and guidelines for developing selection policies.