Streaming Video
Back to all streaming guides
What is streaming video?
OLAC (Online Audiovisual Catalogers) defines streaming videos as moving images that are "transmitted over a network that can be played immediately, with no need to download an entire file before playback. Video content is sent to the user as a data stream. A small amount of data is sent ahead to the user’s computer and buffered temporarily on the hard drive, and as playback proceeds, more data is constantly streamed to the user’s machine. The files created by buffering are temporary, and are gone when playback is complete.
This technology allows users to access audiovisual content without having to wait for entire files to download. This minimizes both the amount of time required to view audiovisual content online, and the amount of storage space necessary to do so."
For cataloging purposes, streaming videos are considered both video recordings and remotely accessed electronic resources.
Watch how streaming video works
Types of streaming video
There are many types of streaming video files, including but not limited to, .avi, .mp4, .swf, .wmv, and .flv
What is not considered a streaming video?
See examples of what is not considered streaming video.
Method used in this Guide to catalog streaming videos
This guide shows how to catalog streaming videos following the guidelines recommended in the Best Practices for Cataloging Streaming Media created by the OLAC Cataloging Policy Committee.
How to catalog streaming videos:
Title and Statement of Responsibility (Field 245)
Physical Description (Field 300)