Hints For Doing Moving Image Studies Research in Libraries

As the number of information sources multiply, the possibilities for broader, better library research increase as well. So does the feeling of being overwhelmed. Obviously research in Moving Image Studies happens in a variety of realms, but here are few tips for doing good library-oriented research:

Online Research

The Georgia State University Library has a large number of searchable databases, many of which provide full text of articles. Here are a few of the most useful ones (note: not all of the links to databases will work from a non-Georgia State computer. If you have difficulty with the link, go to the GSU library databases page):

Other helpful databases include:

Become familiar with the different conventions for each database. For instance, what character does the database use for a wildcard? Does the database file the author's first name or just his/her initials? What Boolean operators does the database allow? Here is a chart listing search tips for each database.

  • Learn to do complex boolean searches. A complex boolean search can insure that you have looked at all appropriate articles.

    For instance, one problem with doing research on film is that the medium is called several different things. Get into the habit of doing some variation on the following search: "film* AND cinema* AND movie* AND motion picture*." (where "*" is a wildcard that stands in for a variable search string. Again, check the conventions for the particular database) This will retrieve references to "film," "films," "film's," "filmic," "cinema," "cinemas," "cinema's," "cinematic," "movie," "movies," "movies'," "motion picture," "motion pictures," and "motion pictures'." (Note that the Library of Congress uses the somewhat outdated term "motion pictures" in its official categorizations.)

  • How do you find out what works have referenced a particular article/book? One of the most useful (and poorly named) online databases is the Web of Science, which oddly combines the Arts and Humanities Citation Index and the Social Sciences Citation Index. You can do a "Cited Reference" search that basically allows you to search the bibliographies/works cited sections of articles. This is particularly helpful if you want to follow a debate in the literature. Type in an important book or article, and the Cited Reference search will find all other works that have made reference to it.

  • How do you figure out what indexes cover a particular journal? Use Ullrich's. Type in the journal name and hit the "Abstracting/Indexing and Article Access" tab.  The database will return the names of the appropriate indexes.

  • How do I get off-campus access to the databases? Use GALILEO. If you check your individual account at the Georgia State library webpage (enter the number from your Panther Card), you can not only see what books you've checked out but also you can get the current GALILEO password, which will provide you with off-campus access to many (but not all) of the Georgia State research databases.

  • There are numerous online episode guides for television shows. Probably the most reliable central source for these is tv.com (formerly tvtome.com), which also has a wealth of other information (including ratings).

  • Google now has a video search function that searches the close captioned text of television programs.

  • Many are familiar with the Internet Movie Database, but few use its full power. Let's say you want to find lots of films/television shows in which characters switch bodies. Look up one or two of these films (Vice Versa or Switch), and click on "plot keywords." Use links to "role-reversal" or "body-swap" to find other similar films/television programs. The use of keywords is a bit haphazard but very useful. In addition, you should become familiar with IMDB's "power search," (located under "More Searches") which allows you to input a range of very specific search criteria. For instance, you can find every black and white film made in India from 1945 to 1949.

  • Use Amazon.com's full search. Amazon now searches for words not only in book titles and descriptions but within the text of many books.

  • Some mainstream general periodicals such as Time and the New York Times now have online searchable indexes that cover their full run.

  • Use fan expertise through Google groups. The longest running (since 1981) and most easily searchable set of online discussion groups (formerly known as Usenet groups) is now available through Google. Use the "Advanced Group Search" option to get a finely nuanced search on these online discussions. Although fan knowledge is not academic, it can be very useful in a variety of projects.

  • Much of the information kept online is available only through databases, which are not searchable by traditional search engines such as Google.  This is sometimes referred to as the "invisible web."  For a good overview on exploring the "invisible web," click here.

Physical Sources

  • Use paper indexes. (Yes, there are still paper indexes; in fact, they're the ONLY way to get at certain sources) The International Index to Film Periodicals (Ref Z5784.M9 I49) is an important reference to get at the broadest range of writing on film and television.  Also see the Humanities Index (Ref AI3.R492). Remember, most of the online databases only go back so far, so if you're looking for older articles, paper indexes are the only way to access them.

  • How do I find historical film reviews? If you're looking for older film and television reviews, use the paper version of the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature (remember that this guide lists individual films under "Motion Picture Reviews").  Also consult the Film Review Index 1882-1985 (Ref Z5784.M9 F513 1986), Retrospective Index to Film Periodicals 1930-1971 (Ref Z5784.M9 B39), and Film Review Annual (Ref PN1995.F465). The New York Times has a searchable database of its film reviews available online. For nonfeature films (documentaries, educational films and videos), see Media Review Digest (Ref Z5814.V8 M8).

  • Is there any index to Variety? No, though we've all wished for that. There is no alternative other than scanning/reading the individual microfilm issues. This is easier than it sounds once you get used to it. You usually search a particular window in time (just before and after a particular film or television show opens, for instance). Join the past generations of scholars who have gotten repetitive stress injuries while cranking microfilm.

  • How do I get books from other libraries? The GIL Universal Catalog will allow you to search all of Georgia's university and public libraries, and you can request these books through GIL Express. Your Panther card gives you physical access and borrowing privileges to Georgia Tech and Emory.

  • Use Interlibrary Loan. The folks at GSU's Interlibrary Loan Services are an academic's best friend. Not only do they track down books quite rapidly, but they also find articles the library doesn't carry and send many of these in PDF form to your email.

  • Where can I get access to the Motion Picture Herald or American Cinematographer? The trade journal for film exhibitors in the classical era and the journal for the American Society for Cinematographers are available at Emory.

Archives and Other Tips

  • How do I find out about archival holdings in media? Look at the oddly titled reference book Reruns on File (Ref P96.A722 U54 1992), which is a good overview to the holdings of major archives.  Also consult the Archives USA database.

  • You should know about the Media Archive of the Peabody Awards just down the road at the University of Georgia. It contains many rare television and radio recordings.

  • How do I find obscure films on video? Locally, the best sources are Movies Worth Seeing (1409 N. Highland Ave.) and Videodrome (617 N. Highland Ave.). The broadest collection of videos available for rental-by-mail is Facets, though GreenCine and Netflix are good, too. Don't forget to check online vendors such as Amazon and Ebay, which are good sources for used and out-of-print videos.  If you're looking for independent documentaries, try Docuseek.

  • Photocopy articles backwards. I know this sounds silly, but I'm always astonished at how many grad students haven't figured this out yet. Start photocopying with the last page of the article and then work your way back to the first page. That way the copies will stack themselves in the correct order. It's amazing how little tips like this make your day better.