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Cinema Studies Library Guide: Finding Books

Sample Subject Headings

Motion pictures

Audio-visual materials

Film criticism

Motion pictures--Criticism

Motion pictures--Reviews

Film adaptations--History and criticism

Film genres

Motion picture reviews

 

Dissertations

Encyclopedias

Finding Books

Step One: UIUC Online Library Catalog

There are two ways to search the UIUC Library catalog. Both offer the same content but the method of searching and presentation of results varies.

  1. Through the new Primo Library Catalog. This catalog requires you to register with a login and a password to request materials. It also lets you search books in I-share (see below for more details.)
  2. Through the Library Easy Search. This interface lets you search the UIUC catalog for books, articles, journals and media. . 

Getting the actual book: When you locate your item you have two choices.

Print books

You can request the item and pick it up at any of the departmental libraries. Or, you can retrieve the book yourself from either the main stacks or the departmental library where the book is located. If you choose this option, make sure you jot down the location and call number of the item.

Electronic Books

Access will depend on the publisher. In some case you will be able to download full books via PDF. In others you might be able only to view the book online. In all cases the Library follow the publisher's requirements.

What if my book is not in the UIUC Online Library Catalog?

Step Two: I-Share

Once you have verified that the book you are looking for is either not located in the UIUC catalog or all copies are checked out, you may order it through Primo Library Catalog and selecting "All I-share Libraries." Items typically arrive within 5-10 days and you will receive an email when the item is available for pick up.

What if my book is not available in I-Share?

Step Three: Interlibrary Loan

If the item is not available in the UIUC catalog or through I-Share, then your next stop will be Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery. First, keep your full citation handy -- you'll need it. Second, login to the ILLiad server using your NetID and password. From the ILLiad main menu, select "Request a Book." Be sure to fill out as much of the form as possible, including the source of your citation. This will ensure that ILL can place your request in a timely manner. You'll be notified by email when your item is ready to be picked up.

WorldCat -You can search WorldCat to find books on your topic, which might not be in the UIUC nor the I-share catalog. Once you find a title of interest, you can order it through Interlibrary Loan

More Help with the Library Catalog

Reference

Books on Specific Films

Most books having to do with specific films - including screenplays of specific titles - are shelved under call numbers beginning with PN1997, with expansions of the call number based alphabetically on the film's title. For example, a book on Annie Hall has call number PN1997.A4463 C69 - the "A4463" part of this call number indicates that the film's title begins with the letter "A."

If the film's original title is in a language other than English, then the call number may reflect the spelling of the original title: For example, a book on Last Year at Marienbad may appear under the call number PN1997.A446 L48, because the original French title of the film is L'Anneé dernière à Marienbad. 

To find books at the library, search the Primo.

 

 

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