RESEARCHING THE RIHS FILM ARCHIVES
See also:
Accessing the Film Collections in the Graphics Division
Viewing of film is available for those doing research of a specific nature leading toward publicly available work, such as a dissertation, publication or film/television production. Since the film is delicate in nature and takes a great deal of time to prepare for viewing, we ask the researcher to present his/her project outline in writing prior to beginning the research process. Graduates and undergraduates in advanced classes wishing to screen film should first obtain letters from their professors endorsing the project and a specific thesis outline must be presented.
Researchers are required to make an appointment to review the finding aids. We recommend that researchers have the specific day or week of the event; or title of the film prior to the search, since the logs are comprised of thousands of chronological entries and a week of news footage may include hundreds of reels of film.
Depending on the condition of film, it is not always possible for the patron to view the film during his/her initial visit. Therefore, another appointment may be necessary. In some cases, the original film is too fragile for viewing. The Graphics staff is required to evaluate the condition of the film and prepare the film for possible viewing. Each film may only be viewed once by an individual. Please note that the Graphics Division's viewing equipment does not support sound on film. A maximum of ten films/videotapes may be viewed in one day.