- About Video Collections at the Penn State University Libraries
- How to Search for Videos in the CAT
- How to Limit Searches in the CAT
- How to Request Videos in the CAT
- Group Viewing Rooms
About Video Collections at the Penn State University Libraries
The Penn State University Libraries have video collections at many library locations:
Media Technology and Support Services (MediaTech), Special Services Building, State College
Music and Media Center (Arts and Humanities Library, University Park)
How to Search for Videos in the CAT
You can search for, and request, videos across all locations with The CAT, the Libraries’ online catalog. (For 16mm films in the MediaTech collection go to the Search Medianet search page).
To begin searching:
use the ADVANCED search page
change MATERIAL TYPE (below the search boxes) to VIDEO MATERIAL
You can type title words, directors’ names, actors’ names, or other keywords as search terms.
You can combine search terms by typing them in separate search boxes and linking them with AND (at the far right of the search box).

How to Limit Searches in the CAT
Library Location | Movie Title | Topic | Language | Director or Actor's Name | Genre
Limit search by Library Location:
To limit a search to videos owned by a particular library within the Penn State Libraries, select the library location from the drop down menu under In Library on the Advanced Search page. You can request a video from any library location with the I WANT IT button in The CAT:

Limit Search by Title:
Type the title of the film in the TITLE search box. Begin with the first word following “a,” “and,” or “the,” if applicable.

Limit search by Language:
To find videos in a particular language or subtitled in a particular language select a language from the drop down menu under Language on the Advanced Search page.

Limit Search by Person’s name
Search for a director, actor, or writer’s name by entering first name last name in the KEYWORD search box.

Limit search by Genre
Enter a genre (film noir, horror films, mystery, etc.) in the LC Subject Heading search box.

How to Request Videos in the CAT
Request films owned by one of the University Libraries locations:

Group Viewing Rooms
With VCR, DVD, and laserdisk capabilities, small groups can screen videos in this room, which seats approximately 17. Use of the room can be scheduled in advance by contacting the Music and Media Center at 865-3616. The room is available on a first-come, first-served basis, when not previously scheduled. Is available to groups of 3 or more.
Film/Video Viewing Room, News and Microforms Library
The nearby News and Microforms Library also provides a viewing room.

