Looking for Videos in Physical Formats
Search for videos in physical formats in Virgo, the library's online catalog. Once you find the video you want, look at its call number, which will be something like "DVD02362" or "VHS11541." Note that the first few letters of the call number indicate the format of the video: DVD, VHS, or LD (for LaserDisc). DVDs are in the open browsing stacks on the fourth floor of Clemons Library. Many videos are now available in streaming format, and you can access them through Virgo or streaming film portals.
Checking Out Videos
Most DVDs, VHS tapes, and LDs can be checked out. Students and staff may check out two videos at a time for seven days. Faculty can have five videos for seven days. Videos may be renewed online. The video collection is only open to U.Va. students, faculty, and staff. Researchers who are not affiliated with U.Va. but who need to use materials from the video collection may contact Leigh Rockey to request access. Once you have the call number of a DVD, you can find it on the open browsing shelves on the fourth floor of Clemons. VHS tapes and LaserDiscs are kept in Ivy Stacks.
Returning Videos
Videos that you check out can be returned at any library in the U.Va. library system. They'll be checked in at that library, then sent back to Clemons.
Viewing Videos in Clemons Library
Clemons provides viewing carrels with VCRs, disc players, and headphones. For instruction-related video use, there are media classrooms that may be reserved by faculty or graduate students. All equipment in the library will play any video format that the library owns, including LaserDiscs and international region/format videos.
Screenings
Copyright law allows for the screening of entire videos to a class of registered students in the course of face-to-face teaching. Faculty and graduate students can “book” a video for class screenings either in a classroom or in Clemons. If you’d like to use one of the classrooms in Clemons for your screening, you can reserve the video when you make your room reservation. To request a booking for a screening in a classroom outside of the library please contact Arlyn Newcomb.
Screenings of videos outside of class require Public Performance Rights (PPR). Examples include screenings for student organizations, office parties, film festivals, etc. The library already has PPR for many documentary and educational videos, but terms can differ depending on the video and the distributor, so you should check with Leigh Rockey first before scheduling a screening. If we do not already have PPR, you may be able to purchase it. PPR for many feature films can be purchased through Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.