Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Media Department and the Media Archives?
The Media Department and the Media Archives currently occupy the same location on the 7th floor of the Main Library. The Media Department holds the collection of commercially distributed audio and visual materials (sound recordings, videos, DVDs, laserdiscs, etc.). The Media Archives holds original archival audio and visual collections (including the Peabody Awards entries, the Georgia Folklore Collection, the Richard Nixon/Frank Gannon interviews, among others).
The collections in the Media Archives are accessed through the Media Department.
Is the Media Department open to the public, or just UGA students and faculty?
The Media Department may be used by anyone who can provide a valid picture identification (examples include a U.S. drivers license or official state identification card, passport, military identification) or a current UGA ID card. No unsupervised persons under the age of 17 may use the Media Department facilities.
Can I check out videos from the Media Department, or must I view them within the department?
In general, our videos, laserdiscs, and DVDs are considered a reference collection and, as such, do not circulate or go out on Interlibrary Loan. The exception is the PBS VIDEO Database of America's History & Culture.
For class showings, we have a screening room which seats up to 45 patrons, as well as a smaller seminar room, which seats up to 18 patrons. Within the department, we have an ample number of viewing and listening stations available for individuals, or groups of two, so the material is readily accessible.
We do make exceptions when a faculty member has an exceptionally large class, or if other conflicts arise in regard to our viewing rooms. In those cases, we allow DVDs, videos and laserdiscs to be borrowed (for educational use only) by faculty members or by graduate students with a current faculty permission form. For specific details see the Faculty and Graduate Students Policies