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Finding DVDs, videocassettes, and streaming video

This guide provides basic tips for using the library catalog to find DVDs, videocassettes, and streaming video in Skillman and Kirby's collections.

A note on terms:
Videorecording is the generic term used in our catalog to denote both DVDs and videocassettes. The format is designated in the portion of the record labeled "Phys desc" [Physical description], where the term videodisc is used for DVDs and videocassettes for VHS.

To find a specific film...

  • Perform a title search in the library catalog for the name of a film or television program; (For tv programs with common titles (e.g. "The Wire," "Rome") add television program to the end of the title (e.g. The Wire television program)
     
    OR
     
  • Perform an author search in the library catalog for the name of a director, producer, or actor.

To find a film on a particular topic...

  • Perform a subject search in the library catalog for a topic. Choose the "Limit This Search" button at the top of the results page. Then choose "video, film, etc." from the "material type" drop-down menu.

    •  OR, to find only DVDs and videocassettes, not streaming video
     
  • Perform a keyword search in the library catalog combining a word or short phrase describing a topic with the word videorecording (e.g., architecture and videorecording);
     
    Note: These searches will return both fiction and non-fiction videos.

To browse a list of all DVDs in the collection

To browse a list of all videocassettes in the collection

To browse a list of all streaming films available to Lafayette users

To find a film by genre (e.g., horror or film noir)...

To find a film by form (e.g., animated or silent)...

To find a film produced in a particular country...

  • Perform a genre search in the library catalog for feature films [country] (e.g., feature films mexico).
     
    Note: Films or television programs without an associated country in the heading were produced in the United States.

To browse a list of films by release date...

  • Perform a keyword search limited to a single year by using the phrase picture in [year] (e.g., picture in 1965). Note: The date displayed on the results list is the year the video was produced, not the year the motion picture was originally released.
     
  • Perform a keyword search limited to a single decade by combining the phrase "picture in," the first three digits of a decade, and two asterisks (e.g., picture in 196**).
     
  • Or, choose a span of years by clicking on a link below.

To find a television program by form or genre (e.g., mini-series or comedy)...

To limit your search to a particular format...

  • Add the phrase and videocassettes to a keyword search.
    OR
  • Add the phrase and DVDs-video discs to a keyword search.

    • OR
  • Add the phrase and internet videos to a keyword search.

To find a movie when you don't know what to watch...

Last updated: April 18, 2012