How do I find films (DVDs and Videos) at the University of Chicago Library?
The Regenstein Library, the D'Angelo Law Library, the Crerar Science Library, and the Social Services Administration Library all hold audio-visual recordings. In addition, there are other locations on campus that also have film holdings. You can also request films using the Library's Interlibrary Loan service.
Browsing the Film Collection - Finding
Films Using the Library Catalog - Checking Out Films from
the Library-
Other Film Collections on Campus - Additional
Film Resources
Browsing the Film Collection
If you wish to browse our collections at all campus libraries, you can use the Library's Video Guide, which allow you to review our films by title, categories, or subject heading.
If you prefer to browse the shelves, the majority of the Library's film recordings are located in the Microform Collection in the 3rd Floor Reading Room of Regenstein Library. However, only the boxes or cases for films that are not checked out will be on the shelf.
Finding Films Using the Library Catalog
To determine whether the Library has a particular film (VHS or DVD), you should use the Library Catalog. If the film you need is on reserve for a specific class, you should use the Reserve Catalog.
Searching the Library Catalog
To focus your search to these items, we recommend that you use the Advanced Keyword search option in the Catalog. The Advanced Keyword search screen allows you to limit your search by language, location, and format.
To help you to locate films using the catalog, you can limit by format for: Films, Videos, DVDs, Slides, etc.
Catalog Search Tips for Finding Films
Below are some search tips to help you locate some common types of films. You should still limit your search by format to Films, videos, DVDs, slides, etc.
Films in a Specific Language
If you are looking for films in a specific language, you can use the language limit on the Advanced Keyword search screen. If you would like a list of all of the films in a specific language held in the Library, select your language limit and then enter vid* in the "Anywhere" search box.Films by a Certain Director
If you are looking for films by a specific director, you can enter the director's name in the "Author" field in the search screenFilms with a Specific Actor
You can search for an actor by using an "Anywhere" or "Notes" keyword search.Major Motion Pictures or Feature Films
These films can sometimes be located by conducting a "Subject" search on Feature Films or an "Anywhere" search using Motion Pictures.Films in a Specific Genre
There are special subject headings for certain genres of film. Below are some of the most common, which you can use in a "Subject" keyword search.
- Documentary Films
- Foreign Films
- Comedy Films
- Drama
- Animated Films
- Short Films
- Western Films
- Gangster Films
- Musical Films
- Musicals
- Fantasy Films
- Science Fiction Films
Film Adaptations
Conduct an "Anywhere" search using adaptation* along with an "Anywhere" search on the author or title of the book.Television Programs
Search by "Subject" for television programs or televised drama.Closed Captioned Films
Use the subject term Video Recordings for the Hearing Impaired.Operas
Search by "Subject" for Operas. You can also search by composer in the "Author" field.
Checking Out Films From the Library
To check out a film or videorecording, you will need to first retrieve the box or container for the film. In Regenstein, the video collection is housed in the 3rd Floor Reading Room near the Microform Collection. Just bring the box or container to the Circulation Desk at the Library. Staff will retrieve the actual VHS tape or DVD and check it out to you.
Anyone qualified to borrow materials from the University of Chicago Library may borrow videos. The check-out period for most videos are the same as for books, unless the video is on reserve for a course. These ill be available for only a short period of time (usually 4 hours or 24 hours).
Once you check out the materials, you can take them outside of the Library. However, if you do not have the correct equipment, a Viewing Room is available on the 3rd Floor Reading Room of the Regenstein Library. Headphones are available for check-out from the Recordings Collection window (also on the 3rd Floor Reading Room), or from the Circulation Desk when the recordings collection is closed.
Other Film Collections on Campus
The University of Chicago Film Studies Center
The Film Studies Center, on the 3rd floor of Cobb Hall, has an extensive collection of videos and films that surpasses the holdings of the Library. However, the facilities and videos are for research only, not casual viewing.
Center for East Asian Studies' Film Library
The Center for East Asian Studies has a film collection which focuses on materials in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
South Asia Outreach Library
The South Asia Outreach Educational Project serves as a liaison between the University of Chicago, community organizations and the public to foster knowledge of South Asia and South Asian studies. The group maintains a small library of videorecordings.
Additional Film Resources
Interlibrary Loan Services
If the Library does not have the film or video you need, you can request the item through the Library's Interlibrary Loan Service. There is no charge for this service.
Cinema and Media Studies Research Guide
Provides an overview of University of Chicago Library resources, including staff contacts, print collections, electronic resources--including reference sources, indexes, and full-text books and journals--as well as links to other Web sites and resources about cinema and media studies.