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ARSC Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search UCLA Film & Television Archive's Catalog?

Search the Archive Catalog.

Search NAPA, the News and Public Affairs database.

For help on searching Archive Catalog, please download our Quick Start Guide (PDF).

After reviewing the Quick Start Guide, you may wish to review our Advanced User Guide (PDF), which offers more detailed search instructions.

Professional catalogers and others interested in the technical aspects and standards of the Archive Catalog records may wish to consult the Archive's extensive Cataloging Procedure Manual.

Browse our Collection Profiles.

May I borrow a tape?

The Archive's collection is available for on-site research viewing only and does not circulate. For on-site research, Study Copy titles can usually be placed on reserve for viewing in the Instructional Media Lab (270 Powell Library) within one working day of a request.

May I buy a copy?

The Archive cannot provide copies of items in our collection. Due to copyright laws and contractual agreements with our donors and depositors, Archive holdings (including public domain titles) are available for on-site research viewing only. Please note that footage from our Hearst newsreel and KTLA news collections is available for license through our Media Licensing office at (323) 466-8559.

May I get clips or footage to use in my film?

Footage from the Archive's Hearst newsreel and KTLA news collections is available for commercial license. For licensing information, please call our Media Licensing office at (323) 466-8559. Additional sources for stock footage may be found at www.footage.net.

Which items are available to be viewed for research purposes?

The following access designations are found in the location field of Archive holdings records in the Archive Catalog:

  • STUDY COPIES: usually available to be viewed with one working day's notice.
  • RESEARCH COPIES: usually available to be viewed within 14-21 working days of your request.
  • ARCHIVAL COPIES: unavailable to be viewed at this time. (Exceptions upon archivist approval.)

Please note that due to an item's condition and format, many collection holdings can take up to 2-3 weeks or much longer to prepare for viewing.
For this reason all research requests must be formally forwarded well in advance of any proposed visit. Some items listed in the catalog may not be available due to condition and/or format.

For help on understanding the Archive's records please download our Quick Start Guide (PDF).

How do I request items to view for research?

Please contact the Archive Research and Study Center (ARSC) at arsc@cinema.ucla.edu. In your e-mail, please include:

  • Your mailing address and phone number
  • Your institution/and or company (if applicable)
  • Your job title and/or student status (faculty, undergraduate, and department etc.)
  • A two-to-three line description of your research project (please include specifics).
  • Also include your request list as compiled from our Archive Catalog (be sure to include titles and item inventory numbers) and your proposed visit date(s).

Once staff has reviewed your requests you will be contacted and advised of item availability and viewing appointment dates.

May I view a 16mm print or a 3/4" video?

16mm prints and 1/2" or 3/4" tapes designated as Research Copies often can be made available for viewing within 14 to 21 working days of a formal viewing request. Requests to view such materials must be submitted to the ARSC office a minimum of several weeks before your proposed visit date. In advance of your visit, the materials will be transferred to VHS or DVD for viewing on standard televisions in UCLA's campus media lab.

Please note: 

  • Title request lists should be forwarded to ARSC in prioritized order (with item inventory numbers) and must be limited to titles that are essential to your research project.
  • Transfer requests can only be facilitated as holding condition and limited staff and equipment resources allow. Some holdings may be unavailable due to condition, lack of adequate lead time, etc.
  • Viewing requests for more than four hours of Research Copy material may require significant additional processing time in advance of your visit.

May I view a 35mm print?

Access to 35mm prints is limited to titles that are not available on home video and for which the Archive holds no other viewable elements. Requests to view such materials must be submitted to the ARSC office a minimum of several weeks to a month before your proposed visit date. To protect these original elements all requests to view 35mm materials are subject to approval.

Please note:

  • Request lists for titles held on 35mm should be forwarded to ARSC in prioritized order and must be limited to titles essential to your research project.
  • Please note that transfer requests can only be facilitated as holding condition and limited staff and equipment resources allow.
  • Approved titles held on 35mm will be transferred to access copies (VHS or DVD) for viewing on standard televisions in UCLA's campus media lab.

Can you tell me where I can find a film on video?

The Internet is an excellent resource for finding titles on video. Many video vendors have searchable databases and offer on-line ordering. You might also check Bowkers Complete Video Directory in your local library.

Additionally, please review these Research Links.