Video Collections

Search the library catalog for videos

About the Collections

The Robertson Media Center supports the teaching and research missions of the University with a collection of over 20,000 videorecordings on tape and disc, 2000 spoken-word sound recordings on audio cassette and CD, and several hundred CD-ROMs.

Circulation

The video collection circulates for seven days to faculty and three days for students and staff members. Videos may be viewed in the Robertson Media Center or may be checked out for home viewing. Videos on reserve circulate for three hours and must be viewed in the Center.

Reservations

Videos may be reserved for a particular showing or may be placed on course reserve for the semester. Call 924-4222 or fill out this online form with your reserve request.

Video Purchasing

We will purchase media in any area of study. Call 924-3341 or fill out this online form with your request.

Frequently-Asked Questions

What kind of videos do you buy?

The video collection is about one half feature film and one half documentary or non-fiction.

How can I show these to my class?

You may put a video on reserve for your class, so that it shows up on your reserve reading list. Students must view reserve videos the RMC. The instructor may reserve a media viewing room in the RMC or may take the video out to show in another classroom on Grounds. The Arts and Sciences Center for Instructional Technologies also supplies some equipment to classrooms in Old Cabell and New Cabell Hall.

Where can I view videos or listen to audiotapes?

The Center provides viewing carrels with VCR's, disc players, audiotape players and headphones. These are available to anyone using the center. We also offer five small-group viewing rooms available to students, faculty or staff on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, we will reserve space in one of our four media showing rooms for instruction-related use.

Can I request a video or audio for purchase?

Sure! Use our Purchase Request Form.

Why do you have "this" video, but not "that" video?

This question is usually asked in reference to feature films on video, particularly current and popular titles. We do not function like many video stores, attempting to have multiple copies of the newest videos on the day of their release. Instead, we purchase videos primarily in response to curricular needs. Buying feature film is an inexact science. The video publishing industry is not motivated by libraries or education. Often important titles like Visconti's "The Leopard" are not available on video. Videos regularly go out of print, often very soon after their release. So we buy feature films that do not have obvious or immediate curricular relevance, but which are likely to be used in the future, when they are no longer for sale. We will gladly purchase relevant materials for curricular and research use. Just submit a Purchase Request.

Who should I contact for more information?

The media librarian offers reference advice, suggestions for finding videos at other branch libraries, and information about the collection of media materials. Contact Erika Day at eld2n@virginia.edu.