Topic of the Quarter
Video Libraries
by Jim Watson, Mid-Ohio Boogie Club
This is an on-going feature for our ABA newsletter. I hope it will generate interest in sharing lessons learned in while running your club, so others may benefit. I am open to both topic suggestions and feedback on any topic within the newsletter.
For this issue of ABA news, I asked the directors to explore the topic of video libraries. I asked, does your club have a video library? If so…
 | Does your club loan videos to its members? |
| Is any cost involved like a deposit or rental charge? |
| How long is the loan period? |
| How and who administers the video library? |
There were only two responses, other than Imogene Schaeffer, Brickyard Boogie Dancers Bop Club, comment “Our club doesn’t have a video library, but that’s a great idea that we’ll keep in mind. ”. I hope you will find the information provided by Rich Kopels, Atlanta Swing Dancers Club, and Kappy Chermak, Ohio’s North Coast Jitterbug Connection, interesting and useful.
ASDC has a video library!
Instructional dance videos are available for loan to ASDC members. These video’s are done by some of the best teachers from around the country. Members request their selection by e-mailing our video librarian. They then pick up the video on the following Sunday at their dance.
Each member may borrow up to two videos for a $5.00 donation per video for two weeks, plus a refundable $25.00 deposit per VHS/DVD. The deposit is returned when the video is brought back. Of course, if an item is lost or damaged while borrowed, the borrower must pay for a replacement.
Videos presenting current moves and technique are listed in an “Up-to-Date Videos” table and are recommended. The video library contains several older videos which are not recommended for beginners due to out-of-date content and are contained in a separate table. The videos include instruction on:
| Cha-Cha |
| Hustle |
| Lindy |
| Shag |
| West Coast Swing, and |
| Along with Dance Events and Body Movement |
ONCJC has had a video tape library for quite some time.
It's use comes and goes. I must admit that we haven’t pushed it in recent months for no other reason then we haven’t thought about it. Thanks for the reminder.
A video tape library is a wonderful source for getting new members and promoting dance. Only club members may borrow the tapes. We have found that many people are shy about getting up in front of people in the dance classes and learn much better in the privacy of their homes.
The library is maintained much as a regular library. The each tape has a pocket and a card. The borrower must sign the card and pay a $10 deposit that is returned when the tape is brought back. It is a two week rotation.
We have found that the $10 deposit helps to ensure our tape’s return.
I am the "keeper of the tapes" for no other reason then it was my idea and I am a librarian by profession. A "Tape Library" committee would be a wonderful addition to any club.
Editor’s note: If you have an idea for a discussion topic, please send it along.