Originally formed under the national SETA program, this department existed for about ten years during the late 1970s and the early 1980s. As part of their initial services, they provided videotapes and equipment for use to the general public, when this was brand new technology. The equipment was first loaned and then rented to those who didn't have their own videotape players, and the initial collection of moving images replacing the traditional reel to reel films were developed under their tutalage.

The four staff members of the department, Monique Ciofu Jim Wendt, Jim Searn and Uris Lazdis, took original photographs and did copy photography to be added to the collections or sponsored public photo contests. In addition to Coll. 118, other images created by the Audio Visual Department are in Coll. 109, or live undocumented in several other archival collections, including Coll. 054, the GRPL Photographs Collection.

Perhaps due to the burden of the cost of the positions, as they were dropped by SETA, or perhaps as videotape technology became more main stream in libraries, the Department was disbanded by the Board. Monica Ciofu was motivated by this action to became an elected member of the Grand Rapids Public Library board, and served for several years, including as President.