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Vanderbilt University Jean & Alexander Heard Library Central Library
About Video Reserves


DVDs, videotapes, and other non-book materials can be placed on reserve at the Government Information and Media Services desk located on the fourth floor of the Central Library. This area has carrels where students may watch films assigned as out-of-class viewing, as well as in-class viewings students have missed or wish to review.

Please submit requests to place media items on reserve prior to assigning them in class. Otherwise, one student may check out an item, preventing their classmates from accessing the item in a timely manner. You may submit requests at the following online form or using one of the other methods listed below.

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Who should place videos on reserve?

Any instructor using films for in-class viewing or out-of-class assignments should place videos on reserve for their students.

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What is the purpose of video reserves?

The reserve system exists to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to watch required viewings. The reserve shelf does not exist to hold films being considered for class use. Instructors should not place a film on reserve unless certain they will assign it; using the reserve shelf as a hold shelf needlessly keeps other patrons from checking out videos. We are happy to add films to your reserve lists as you decide to use them.

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When should I place videos on reserve?

If you already know which films you plan to use for a class, please submit a list at the start of the semester. However, we will accept video reserve requests throughout the semester. Please allow us 3-5 days notice, in case we need to recall any items you request.

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How do I place videos on reserve?

Choose whichever method is most convenient for you! You can submit requests at this online form. We also accept requests in person, by email, and by telephone (322-2838)

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Where are reserve videos held?

Video reserves are held at the Government Information and Media Services desk on the Central Library's fourth floor. These videos circulate only to faculty, faculty-designated TAs, or the Learning Resource Center.

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Why can't I check out reserve videos?

Normally, videos circulate to undergraduates for three days, but students only view the films during a small fraction of the loan period. Because reserve movies remain in the library, more students can watch an assigned viewing in a timely manner.

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How do I access reserve videos?

Simply request the film at the fourth floor Media Services desk and leave your Vanderbilt ID. We will give you a remote control and a pair of headphones to use at one of our nine viewing stations.

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How can I tell if a video is on reserve?

In Acorn, click the link at the top right labeled “Course Reserves.” From here, you can search for reserves by instructor, course number, and course name. In addition, reserve movies will have a location of MFM-RESERV in our online catalog.

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