Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search the Archive's collections?
Search our holdings in the UC Library Search catalog.
Browse our motion picture and television collection profiles.
Search the News and Public Affairs database.
For assistance searching the catalog, please email the Archive Research and Study Center at arsc@cinema.ucla.edu.
Which items are available to be viewed for research?
The following access designations are found in the location field of Archive holdings records in the UC Library Search catalog:
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Research and Study Center Copy: usually available to be viewed with one working day's notice.
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Research Copy: usually available to be viewed within 14-21 working days of your request.
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Archival Copy: unavailable to be viewed at this time (exceptions upon archivist approval).
How do I request items to view for research?
Please contact the Archive Research and Study Center at arsc@cinema.ucla.edu. In your email, please include:
- Your mailing address and phone number
- Your institution/and or company (if applicable)
- Your job title and/or student status (faculty, undergraduate, department, etc.)
- A brief description of your research project (please include specifics)
- Your request list as compiled from the UC Library Search catalog (be sure to include titles and item inventory numbers)
- Proposed visit date(s)
Once our staff has reviewed your requests, you will be contacted and advised of item availability and viewing appointment dates.
May I borrow or buy a viewing 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. 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.
Historical news and other kinds of footage are available for licensing—visit the UCLA Film & Television Archive website to learn more.
May I view film prints or original tape formats?
Access copies of 35mm and 16mm prints, and 1/2" or 3/4" tapes are limited to titles that are not available commercially. Requests to view such materials must be submitted to the Archive Research & Study Center staff several weeks before the proposed visit date. In advance of your visit, the materials will be transferred to DVD for viewing on monitors in the Powell Library Instructional Media Lab. Requests for 16mm prints and 1/2" or 3/4" tapes can frequently be made available within 14 to 21 working days of research visits; requests to transfer 35mm prints can sometimes take longer.
- In order to protect original elements, researchers will view DVD transfers of archival holdings; no original elements will be screened.
- Title request lists should be forwarded to the Archive Research & Study Center 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.
Do you have footage I can use in my film?
Yes, historical footage from the Archive's Hearst newsreel collection, KTLA news collection and more is available for commercial license. Visit the UCLA Film & Television Archive website to learn about our licensable collections and contact the Media Licensing office.
Additional sources for stock footage may be found at www.footage.net.
