Welcome to the NSS AV Library

The NSS AV Library Ordering Information

You can order an item from the AV library by either writing to the NSS Office or by filling out the Online request form shown below. Any one can order an item from the AV library, whether an NSS member or not (please see 'Rental Fees' because there is a slight difference in cost for non NSS members). 

Writing to the NSS Office:

National Speleological Society
6001 Pulaski Pike
Huntsville, AL 35810-1122 USA

E-Mailing the NSS Office:

nss@caves.org

Let us know what program you would like, when you would like to show it, and where we should ship it. Just in case we need to talk with you, let us know how to contact you during the day.

Order your program at least 10 days in advance of when you need it; however, most grottos order programs 3 to 6 months in advance in order to get the program they want. In cases of conflict, programs are provided on a first come, first serve basis.

In case your program is not available when you'd like it, let us know if you would like us to schedule the program for you when it is first available or provide you an alternate program. Provide several alternate dates if you want the program when it is next available. Provide several alternative program choices if you want a program on a specific date or tell us to pick one for you.

It's easier for us to handle your orders if you provide them by letter; however, in emergencies call us at 256-852-1300.

Fill out the Online Order Form:

Please use our secure server to order programs online. If your browser does not support SSL encryption, you may have problems accessing the secure server. If that is the case, please contact the NSS office as described above to order your program.

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The NSS AV Library Rental Fees

Program authors pay most of the program development cost. The Society subsidizes the AV Library in order to foster communication on cave-related topics. The Society pays the cost to complete a program, duplicate it for distribution, and administer the library. You are charged a fee up front primarily to cover shipping costs.

Effective July 1, 1999, the Audio-Visual Library will require a deposit to check out shows. With this change, the library will convert back to the original policy of paying only for the shipping of shows. There will be no additional cost to the member unless they fail to return the show. Those who do not return a show within 30 days after the return due date will forfeit their deposit. The deposits and shipping costs are detailed below.

FEES - NSS members and Non members

• If ordering two Video's, DVDs, or CDs, add $2.00 to the shipping charge (total $7.00)
• If ordering two Slide Shows, add $10.00 to the shipping charge (total $20.00)
• Deposit is only required if paying by check

Note: The $3.00 Non Member fee is for each order. For all borrowers, there is a limit of two programs per order.

International Rentals: Foreign members (and non members) pay actual cost of shipping by airmail. Due to time constraints, programs will be shipped Express or Airmail. They must be returned in the same manner. Please contact the NSS Office (nss@caves.org) for shipping costs.

Please send a check for program fees when you place your order.

The reason for the deposit amounts is that it costs the Audio-Visual committee approximately $100 to replace an 80-slide show and tray.

Shows may be checked out using a credit card or by check. If paying by check, two checks will need to be sent to the NSS Office--one for the shipping cost and one for the deposit. When the show is returned, the check for the deposit will be returned to the member or destroyed at the member's request. Members checking out shows will have a grace period of 30 days after the shows return due date before they forfeit their deposit. The NSS Office will also send a friendly reminder to the borrower if the show isn't returned by the due date.

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Return Policy

It is very important that you return your program promptly. A delay can cause others to miss the program. To return a program, just flip the address card on the shipping container to reveal the NSS office address.

You may return the program through the United Parcel Service (UPS) or you may use the U.S. Post Office using "Library Rate" or some other delivery service.

For Slide programs, please insure the package for $100.00 ($500 for two projector slide programs). For video programs, DVDs, and CDs please insure the package for $30.00

When returning a program, please tell us if you found any damage, missing slides or script, or have other suggestions for improving it.

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The NSS AV Library Contacts (Who's who!)

If you need help or wish to comment about the NSS AV Library; Contact David Socky or Alex Sproul.

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