Library Video Magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 1

LVM enters its 4th year with a new format, a new release schedule (now published three instead of four times a year), and a rather disappointing shift to more fluff and less useable news. The issue gets off to a poor start with a segment called "Library Disaster: Are You Prepared?" The title would lead you to believe that you are about to learn something on the subject of being prepared for library disasters. On the contrary, we are given sensational footage of the recent San Francisco earthquake and Hurricane Hugo--in the time-honored television tradition of network news (not much information, but have we got some visuals). The second segment, "On Again, Off Again; Service to Native Americans," offers the only real story of substance as it explores the sketchy funding and consequent problems librarians are facing in libraries on reservations. Other segments include a proposed robotic retrieval system, a "haunted library," and a visit to the Disney archives. Pretty to look at, but almost devoid of the thought-provoking stories that have characterized LVM in the past. (Available from: ALA Video, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.)