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Art History

This guide provides an introduction to resources that support research in the field of art history. You'll find helpful tips and tools to find and access art journals, films, images, exhibition catalogs and reviews, and more!

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Need Research Help?

You can always make an appointment the visual arts librarian (Jenna Dufour) by clicking here. Appointments can be made virtually or in-person. I'm here to help!

UC Irvine Libraries' Media Collection

While streaming platforms are a popular resource for film and documentary needs, UC Irvine Libraries maintains a collection of physical media. To learn more about these collections and how to access them, please explore this page. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jenna Dufour, Research Librarian for Visual Arts.

UC Irvine Libraries' 16mm Film Collection

About the library's 16mm film collection:

The 16mm film collection primarily features art films, many of which were acquired through collaborations between artists and UC Irvine art faculty during the university’s formative years. These films hold substantial historical value and continue to serve as significant pedagogical resources in their original analog format. We no longer actively acquire films in this format; however, are maintaining the existing collection for educational purposes. Currently, the collection comprises 92 titles, which you can browse and discover here: https://tinyurl.com/16mm-films-uci.

How to request to borrow 16mm films from UC Irvine Libraries:

To request a 16mm film for teaching purposes, please complete the Media Booking Form: https://www.lib.uci.edu/mrc/media-use-and-booking-form. Access to the collection is currently limited to Studio Art and Film and Media Studies faculty. Faculty and their home department must also accept liability for any damage incurred during use. Once your request is processed, the film will be retrieved and placed on hold for the specified dates.

Please note that the individual picking up the films must be designated as a proxy borrower for the professor teaching the course. The proxy borrower application form can be accessed here: https://www.lib.uci.edu/form/proxy-application-form. When retrieving the film at the UC Irvine Science Library, you will be required to present a UCI or government-issued ID.

UC Irvine Libraries' Other Audiovisual Media

The library also offers a variety of physical media formats, including VHS and DVD/Blue-Rays, which can be requested by current UCI faculty, students, and staff. While many of these physical films are available for streaming as well, some titles are unique and only available in physical format. To check for a physical copy, use UC Library Search, filter by "Video" under "Resource Type", and select "Science Library Media" as the "Location".

All audiovisual materials are housed at the Science Library and must be requested in advance, as they are not in the circulating/open stacks. Simply log in with your UCI Net ID and password, then click "Request." Media requests typically take 2 business days to process. For step-by-step screenshots, please visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/requesting-physical-media