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About Video Collections at the Penn State University Libraries

The Penn State University Libraries have video collections at many library locations:

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:

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).

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How to Limit Searches in the CAT

Limit your search by:
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:


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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.


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Limit search by Topic:

Type your search term(s) in the TOPIC: TITLE + SUBJECT search box.


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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.


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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.


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Limit search by Genre

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


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How to Request Videos in the CAT

Go to the item display screen for the video. If the film is owned by one of the University Libraries locations select the I Want It button and follow the instructions.

Request films owned by one of the University Libraries locations:


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Group Viewing Rooms

Video Viewing Room, W214 Pattee Library
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.
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