Practical Technology — Library Concepts for Plex

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5 min readSep 12, 2019

This is a reprint from the April 2017 issue of Computers in Libraries magazine. Some statements may be dated/incorrect.

Libraries have local content in video format that should be more widely shared.

Libraries have a lot of DVDs. Often local content comes less encumbered with copyright concerns than commercial DVDs and thus is able to be shared and shown more widely. Recent Fair Use rulings have opened the door to potential educational streaming applications of DVD content. It can be difficult for many libraries, especially smaller ones, to share content with the level of convenience of a streaming solution like Netflix.

Neflix is popular but costs money and can’t be used with local content or “lent” to patrons. However their user experience is often what consumers are seeking out. Some libraries lend a Roku streaming player with a preauthorized Netflix account. DVDs from the library are popular but fragile and can only be accessed by one user at a time. Libraries do have a legal right to make an archival copy of their DVDs using software like Handbrake. Linking copies as downloadable media, or sharing on YouTube, may make content a little too open. But putting video content behind a password wall might be enough for rights holders, especially local ones, and accessible enough for patrons at the same time.

Plex has a very friendly user interface to view your own files.

I’ve been using Plex recently to view and share video and audio content, and it may be just the thing for libraries who want a solution to this issue. I’ve included a few use cases where Plex might solve a problem for libraries.

What is Plex?

Plex is software that can stream media content to authorized users through a web interface or via apps on most major platforms. It is really two parts: media server software, and the apps. The software will organize, display, and transcode (convert to smaller streamable format) a user’s digital video files, as well as play music or display photographs. With Plex, users running the media server software can also add “channels” of content such as Comedy Central or Ted Talks, similar to a Roku or AppleTV. Plex server software is free, with additional costs for added features. The apps have small fees but the web-based version of the app is free. Authorized end users can access another user’s Plex servers for free. Plex has been actively developed since 2010 and is run by a commercial software company.

The interface has some holdovers from its days as a hobby project.

I have used Plex as an end user, watching movies and other channels from a friend’s server. I also run my own server, on a standard home computer, sharing my content with others. I had to do no programming to get it set up, other than following directions and occasionally searching help forums for answers. It is not what I would call easy, but it is doable by someone who likes to tinker with software but doesn’t have specialized knowledge about managing servers. Think of it as a way to put a Netflix-like front end on to your own digital content. Or, think of it as a way to have an iTunes-like tool that can organize and display your digital media and sort it using various metadata.

At its most basic, Plex operates as home theater software that you can use on your own computer. It can queue and display streaming media files and their metadata, and offers useful searching, bookmarking and playlist capabilities. At the next level, a user can stream non-DRMed content to other users via a password protected interface. There are many possible library applications for this and I’ll outline a few.

Library Oral History Archive

Oral histories or other local documentary content can be stored on the library’s server that can be accessed from any pre-authorized computer within the library. Digital content where permission is already available or can be easily obtained — I am thinking specifically of items created by historical societies or recorded programs that libraries have hosted — can be uploaded, tagged and easily streamed within the library’s local network. People can watch this content but, like Netflix, won’t be able to save a copy for themselves. Librarians can curate content into playlists for easier viewing.

Library Display Wall

Plex has the ability for users to set up playlists that can automatically run. I’ve been to some libraries lately which have smart TVs running in public areas, usually just showing news — a Plex back end would allow a library to show contextually specific videos. The library could do this without having the disadvantages that come from streaming via YouTube or other online services with ads, suggested videos or other user generated content appearing alongside it. Videos can be digitized with subtitles burned in for maximum accessibility.

Library Traveling Videos

Plex makes showing videos remotely much more convenient. A library can have content stored safely on a server within their building but still be able to travel with a laptop and show movies in any other location with an internet connection. Obviously there are licensing concerns, but from a technical perspective this is now simpler than ever and gives more flexibility than traveling with a stack of DVDs. And the interface is simple enough to be used by someone who is not super tech savvy. If you can use Netflix, you can use Plex. Bring movies to senior centers. Show a selection of short films from the local video production class. Curate public domain historical footage to highlight community activities at a regional get-together. Use historic speeches — there are many available from the public domain — to back up a program on another topic.

Library Delivering Simplified Web Content

We all know people who would like access to good online content but lack the skill necessary to navigate through YouTube or even go to a content provider’s web page. I am in favor of improved digital literacy generally, of course. However, having the library be the starting point for users to access local documentary channels but also externally-curated high interest content like Sesame Street, The NASA Channel or The History Channel can help people get access to information they desire and that they enjoy.

New Challenges and Opportunities

While the software is straightforward, this is not quite a plug and play solution. Even though the Plex website has forums where beginners can get help, people will need a bit of technical know how to set this up for the first time. There are many settings to run through and new vocabulary to understand. However compared to the learning curve of other similar software like MythTV, it’s not too tough.

Positioning the library as the place where community content is not just stored but also actively shared can help people understand the complex role libraries have at the heart of their communities. One of the library’s most important roles is to help the community get improved access to … itself. Plex is one of the tools the library can use to do that.