How can you prevent
bootlegs from making their way into your library? The first step is to be aware
of red flags when purchasing DVDs from Amazon or eBay. For Amazon, only
purchase DVDs that are sold by Amazon itself. Look for “Ships from and sold by
Amazon.com.” If you see "Sold by <seller name other than Amazon>”
then do not purchase. This is especially important for brand new seasons of TV
series or brand new movies.
Second, check other
sources to be sure that the season or movie has been officially released on
DVD. Here are some resources:
Finally, check library
vendors, such as Baker and Taylor, Ingram, and Midwest Tapes. If none of these
other vendors are selling the DVDs in question, then don’t purchase the items
via Amazon or eBay. And watch out for gifts - in one case, an SCLS library was
gifted a bootlegged TV series on DVD.
Catalogers can also be
on the lookout for bootlegs. Catalogers who suspect a bootleg can check the
sources listed above, and also view the DVD(s). At SCLS we found that the
bootlegged DVDs were of low quality when viewed, even if the packaging looked
OK.
We all want to provide
the best possible experience for patrons. Doing extra legwork on the front end
can avoid larger problems on the back end.
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