Film Archive simplifies service model to enhance teaching and research support

The Yale Film Archive is changing its service model to streamline access to its collections and viewing facilities. The changes will free up space and resources to enhance the archive’s support for teaching and research, public programming, and film preservation.

For library users with relevant borrowing privileges, the changes mean:

• Rather than going to the Film Archive service desk to check out films, DVDs, and Blu-rays, users can now request these materials online through Quicksearch for delivery to the pickup location at any preferred Yale Library.
• Physical materials from the Film Archive that have been placed on course reserves are now available for pickup at the Bass Library service desk during open hours.
• A new online booking process allows users to reserve and access the Film Archive’s viewing booths and research screening room (for large groups) on a self-service basis. Technical service and support may be requested using QR codes in each of the spaces.

The service desk in the Film Archive, which had limited hours, has been closed. Library users may now pick up materials from their preferred library’s service desk, many of which offer extended hours. Similarly, the self-service reservation system has extended the hours of availability for the viewing facilities.  

Support for research and teaching

 The changes are part of a larger plan to make the Film Archive a more research-centered unit, with operations focused on collection building, programming, and teaching, said Tom Day, the Film Archive’s director.

“We are also expanding our horizons in terms of collections, increasing our special collections through acquisition of film and media-related papers, documents, and ephemera—not just film prints and circulating video materials,” Day said. “In particular, we have a number of acquisitions on the horizon that will bolster our already excellent holdings of nonfiction film and media works and that will appeal to teaching and research across a variety of disciplines.”

One initiative under development is a formal, internship program for graduate students interested in collections research, curation, and programming. Archive staff will mentor graduate interns in designing research projects and producing screening programs, Day said. Longtime staff member Archer Nielson, in the newly created role of film programmer and selector of circulating media, will supervise the internship program in collaboration with Day.

About the Film Archive

The Yale Film Archive is Yale Library’s center for film and media research and exhibition. Located on the seventh floor of Sterling Memorial Library, the archive includes viewing facilities, a film conservation suite, staff offices, a poster gallery, and sweeping views of campus. The archive collaborates with campus partners to present films and film series that are free and open to the public and to build collections that support the teaching and research needs of Yale faculty and instructors across disciplines.

Image: Managing Archivist Brian Meacham with students, photo by Mara Lavitt