IUB Libraries Video Streaming Service: A Technical Overview

Abstract

The IUB Libraries Video Streaming Service received its soft launch in the Fall 2008 semester, allowing staff in Wells Library Media and Reserve Services to make both locally-digitized video and digital video files licensed from vendors available for online streaming by members of the IU community. This service was developed by the Digital Library Program in consultation with Media and Reserve Services, based in part upon previous pilots and prototypes supported by both DLP and Library Information Technology. In this presentation, we will demonstrate the functionality of the Video Streaming Service both from the perspective of a student or faculty member viewing a video and a library staff member loading a new video into the system. We will then discuss the technologies used to implement the service, including Adobe Flash Media Server, theffmpeg audio/video encoder, and locally-developed video drop box, content management, and workflow tools.