Film Studies

Book Collections & Catalogs

Selected collections:

OSU Libraries Catalog* Books available at Valley Library

Summit (Orbis Cascades) Catalog Search catalogs of other libraries and have books not at OSU sent here in 3-4 days.

OCLC WorldCat International catalog of books. Indicates if a book is available at OSU. Especially helpful if you know the exact title of a book.

Google Books Books from academic library collections. Use the "Find this book in a library " link to see if OSU has a copy. If we don't you can request it from Summit or Interlibrary Loan.

Selected Reference Books

Indexes* for early reviews not in Academic Search Premier.

Film Review Index, 1882 - 1985. PN1995.F461 (4th floor)
New York Times Film Reviews, 1913-1968. PN 1995.N4 (4th floor)
Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. AI3.R4 1890-present. (6th floor). Look under the subject "Motion Pictures Reviews" or "Moving Pictures."

International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers PN 1997.8.I58 v.1-4 (4th floor)

History of the American Cinema PN1993.5.U6 H55 v1-10 (4th floor)

American Screenwriters PN1998.A2A585 1984 and 1986 (4th floor)

*Click on More below for help using indexes.

An index tells where and when a review or critical study was published. For example: To find the review, use the library catalog to get call number for the magazine, newspaper, or journal the review is in. Make sure we have the date you need. For example:

Reviews vs Criticism

Reviews:

What? Summary and evaluation of a book or film
When? Shortly after a film opens or a book is published
Where? In magazines, film-related journals, newspapers; on the Internet; on radio and television
Who? Journalists, film or book critics, fans
Why? To help viewers decide whether or not to see the film or read the book

Criticism:

"Criticism" is a term used to describe the close examination of a work by a scholar or expert. It doesn't mean criticizing n the sense of "that movie isn't very good."

What? In-depth analysis of specific aspects of one or more film. Carefully researched and includes notes and bibliographies.
When? Months or years after the film's premiere.
Where? Books and scholarly film journals
Who? Scholars who study film, film critics
Why? To further understanding of the film(s) through close analysis

Research Databases

MLA International Bibliography
Critical studies of film and film-related topics in books and academic journals.
Coverage Dates: 1926 - present
Academic Search Premier
Reviews and criticism in magazines and academic journals.
Coverage Dates: 1975 - present
Fine Arts and Music Collection
Provides more than 150 full-text magazines and journals that are covered in indices such as the Wilson Art Index and RILM, this collection will provide support for research in areas such as drama, music, art history, and filmmaking.
Coverage Dates: 1980 - present

DVDs and Videos in Valley Library

The DVD and Video collection is located behind the circulation desk. Click here for a list of motion pictures and their call numbers (use the call number to ask for the film)