Imported A/V materials | SWAN Library Services

Often movies, television shows, and video games will release in physical formats at different times in different regions of the world. When certain materials are not available in the United States, some libraries have opted to purchase import copies from other regions to lend. Other libraries only purchase materials available in the United States. The practice may or may not be codified in library collection policies.

SWAN policy

SWAN does not have any policy regarding member libraries’ collection practices, but we would like to point out some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to import DVDs, Blu-rays, and other video materials from other regions.

Holds and patron expectations

Any library importing materials not available in the United States will be making these materials visible in the catalog. Patrons who see them may place requests for their home library to acquire them. Library staff should be familiar with their local collection policies and be ready to explain to patrons why certain items they see in the catalog may not fit into the local collection.

Region locking and encoding standards

DVDs and Blu-rays are often region locked, meaning they will only play on DVD or Blu-ray players compatible with that region. This is a form of digital rights management. While region-free players are readily available, many patrons will still own hardware designed for the United States (DVD Region 1; Blu-ray Region A). These patrons may encounter compatibility issues and be unable to use some imported materials.

Aside from region encoding, patrons using imported DVDs may experience compatibility issues due to differences in video encoding. In particular, United States NTSC DVD players and televisions may be unable to play PAL-format DVDs.

Both issues are less prevalent with Blu-ray discs and players. DVDs are more likely to present problems. Modern video games do not tend to be region-locked, but you may encounter incompatibilities with imported games for older consoles.

For more information on region locking: https://www.regionfreedvd.net/region-codes.html

Cataloging imported materials

Due to the incompatibilities listed above, DVDs specific to different regions or using different encoding standards should be cataloged on separate bibliographic records. Do not attach an item for a PAL or Region 2 DVD to a record indicating NTSC encoding or Region 1 compatibility.

If you are unsure of the specifications of a DVD in our catalog, please send in a ticket for SWAN staff to investigate and enhance the bibliographic record with this information.

Sample library policies

If you would like to share your library’s policy, please submit a help ticket with the policy attached requesting inclusion in the "Imported A/V materials" page.