University at Buffalo: Reporter

Electronic Highways:
Locating Audiovisual Materials at UB (& Beyond)

Audiovisual materials often add a new dimension to lectures and class presentations, and UB has a wealth of these resources available. Videotapes, audiotapes, slides, computer software, and films can be located using the University Libraries Catalog.

The best method for locating audiovisual materials in the Catalog is to use a keyword search (k=). Searching by keyword allows you to enter one or more search terms. The system will look for the occurrence of the terms anywhere in the catalog record. AV items can be found by using the following codes in a keyword search:

f.fmt.-video recordings, videodiscs, motion pictures and slides
s.gmd.-sound recording (voice or music)
m.fmt.-music scores and recordings
d.fmt.-computer files and software.

For example, k=supreme court and f.fmt. will retrieve a list of videos, films, or slides about the supreme court. Typing k=heart sounds and s.gmd. will produce a list of audio recordings of heart sounds. It is very important to include all the periods in the code when using this search strategy. When a list of titles is displayed, the bracketed words <music>, <datafile>, <visual>, and <sound> indicate an audiovisual item.

The University Libraries Catalog contains audiovisual holdings for all the library units, as well as the Earthquake Information Center, Instructional Technology Services located in 24 Capen, and the Visual Resources Center in Hayes 332. Each of these locations has different loan policies. It is usually noted on the catalog record if an item is on reserve, or does not circulate.

If the AV materials you are looking for are not held by UB, you might also try the WorldCat database available on the Libraries homepage (BISON II) at http://wings.buffalo.edu/libraries/e-resources/firstsearch/worldcat.html. WorldCat is part of the FirstSearch family of databases. Once connected to WorldCat, select "All Areas" on the FirstSearch "Database Area" screen. To limit your search to audiovisual items. From the opening WorldCat page, select SEARCH. When the search form screen appears, select ADVANCED SEARCH. A window will appear containing a TYPE menu. Scroll down and select MEDIA. Continue by entering your search term(s).

For more information on locating AV materials using the Libraries Catalog and/or WorldCat, contact Lori Widzinski, Head, Media Resources Center, Health Sciences Library at 829-3614.

Sue Neumeister and Lori Widzinski, University Libraries

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