Horror Films or "Tell Us What You Want"

A customer recently wrote, “Can you please have a better selection of horror movies that are current. I find that when it comes to new horror releases, New City Library just doesn’t keep up.”

I just finished an article, based on informal interviews on 20 things librarians would like customer’s to know. Near the top is that we want to hear what you want from us. We welcome customer suggestions for improving our collection.

In purchasing films on DVD we have limited funds and try to do our best in purchasing all types films our customers want. In deciding to purchase materials we consider how well a film is reviewed by authoritative review sources. We also look at box office sales in deciding if we want to 1 copy or 6 copies. People vote with their money and if a movie is popular at the box office it is going to be popular with our customers.

In regards to horror films in particular the AV Collection Development specifically, states, “Even though a particular title may not have received a very favorable review, it is purchase for our collection because patrons have previously ask for these types of movies, such as in the horror genre.”

So the short answer is thank you for your suggesting and we will be looking a little closer at buying more current horror films. Please continue to let us know what we can do to be the best library possible.

Customer Suggestion

A customer suggested:

Many of the library DVDs are scratched and freeze during use. Of the last 5 discs I borrowed, I was able to view only 1 to completion. When I return a damaged DVD, I report the problem. Clearly many customers return them without comment, and the damaged disc is returned to circulation without repair.

I have 2 suggestions:

1) When a CD or DVD is checked out, an easily removable label (eg, Post-It) is placed on the front of the case, saying
Please Check One

__ DVD/CD played well

__ DVD/CD needs repair

That would be effective for patrons who use the drop box as well as those who come into the library

2) Ask Technical Services to inspect/clean/repair any disc that has been borrowed a predetermined number of times.

Library Response.

In many ways VHS tapes were better than DVDs for their indestructibility although the quality does not compare. There is little more frustrating that investing an hour in watching a movie and then have it freeze. There are a few things our customers can do to avoid this situation.

Library property is your property as a taxpayer. Treat the disk as your own and don’t let the kids play Frisbee with them.

Using plain water (no cleaners or Windex please) clean the disk before you put it in the player. Dry and gently rub out any stains with a lint free cloth that can be found in most retail electronic stores.

Tell us when you return an item that it has a problem. We will not accuse you of wrong doing unless the dog ate it. We have equipment that can clean and resurface the disk, but we can’t fix it if we don’t know about it.

As for the future, library staff will begin asking customers if the video was working well when they are returned. We are also looking into equipment that will inspect and report on DVD and CD damage and playability.


Please enjoy our great collection of Films, music and games.