Niagara University Library is using Netflix as a supplement to their DVD collection. here’s a blurb from their site: “we are only allowed to have a maximum of 3 Netflix DVDs out at one time.” Is that going to be enough for most libraries? I think not. Still, it’s a good experiment – other libraries are doing much the same with digital music services and audiobook companies.
But I think we can go a few steps further, if we work at it. Remember my post about Real.com about their Rhapsoday service? The rep I spoke with didn’t say “why in the world would we want to partner with a library?” Instead, he said they probably haven’t considered” partnering with libraries.
So why shouldn’t we pursue companies like Netflix about DVD rentals? Rather than each library buying their own DVDs… why not set up some type of corporate partnership program, so Netflix can do what they do well (mail DVDs to people) and we can do what we do well (get content to customers)? This idea is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility – some libraries are working with audible.com, for example.
Just a few more thoughts…
