LibAnswers

The University Library has a large collection of Audio Visual (A/V) materials, including audiobooks, educational and feature films, television series, and music. This collection includes both physical items (disks and tapes) and digital streaming items. Most physical A/V items are housed in the Parks Library Media Center, though some are found in the branch libraries.

Searching for A/V Materials

Most of the library's A/V materials are in Quick Search. To limit your search to audio visual materials set the Format Type filter to "Audio Visual".

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are cataloged in the same way as paper and eBooks.Search in Quick Search by author, topic, or title and include the term  "audiobooks" or "talking books".

• harry potter AND (audiobooks OR "talking books")
• toni morrison AND audiobooks

Streaming video

See: Streaming Video Collections

In general, you should be able to use Quick Search to find individual streaming videos from the various platforms ISU subscribes to.

Video

For DVDs of popular movies and television shows, you can browse the Movies and TV list, otherwise search in Quick Search by title, topic, actor, etc. then limit your results to "Audio Visual". Some older materials are on video cassette and can be viewed using Media Center equipment.

Tip: You can also add the term "videorecording" to your search to limit the results to videos.

• hurricane katrina AND videorecording
• jennifer lawrence AND videorecording

Music and audio

The University Library has a large collection of music recordings and one streaming music service: Naxos Music Library, which specializes in classical music and offers access to over 143,00 CDs. Search in Quick Search by artist, topic, or title then limit your results to "Audio Visual".

Tip: You can add the term "sound recording" to your search to limit the results to audio materials.

• einstein on the beach AND "sound recording"
• beyonce AND "sound recording"

Need more help?

For physical collections, contact staff in the Media Center (002 Parks, Lower Level) during its open hours. Staff can also be reached by email or by phone (515 294-9373).

For streaming collections, contact a liaison librarian or Ask us!