New Company Offers Movie Access in Public Libraries

Library cards have been transformed into virtual movie tickets with the nationwide launch of MyLibraryDV. So says the company that created and developed the concept, Recorded Books. My LibraryDV claims to be the first service allowing public libraries to offer their cardholders free Hollywood movies, classic and independent films, network and cable TV programming, and original digital video content direct to their personal computers.

More than 400 library systems across the country, including the New York Public Library and the Multnomah County (Oregon) Library, have already subscribed to MyLibraryDV. Their patrons have access to thousands of hours of MyLibraryDV content, including a retrospective of approximately 250 of the greatest movies made from 1930 to 2005, from some of the world’s top studios and distributors, including Sony Pictures Entertainment and Granada International Media.

Patrons can download Academy Award winners and nominees, including On Golden Pond, Black Hawk Down, and Men in Black.

Also available are hundreds of hours of lifestyle programming, including award-winning travel, cooking, and educational programming such as Rick Steves’ Europe, Antiques Roadshow, and America’s TestKitchen. A unique feature of MyLibraryDV is the ability to upload and share locally produced content. For example, children’s story time, oral histories, school-based events, local special events such as Chamber of Commerce meetings, and anything of interest to the community-at-large can be shared with patrons.

The company says viewing is made fast and easy due to progressive download technology, which it says allows for viewing video almost immediately. A “virtual video” library is available 24/7 that allows libraries to upload original content for patrons’ viewing.

MyLibraryDV www.mylibrarydv.com