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Circulating Theatre and Film at the Library for the Performing Arts: Search for a topic or title

Borrow books with a NYPL Library Card

There are so many ways to find things here it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, almost any staff you see working on the Second Floor can help you or find help for you. Your BEST choice for help is ALWAYS one of the service desks or the information desks...So as Mama Rose says, “Sing out!”

OR

  • Use the above tab named "Go Straight to the Shelf." There you'll find quick call number guides.

  • The Branch Search tool is a simple straightforward search box that is perfect if you know the title you seek or if basic keyword searching is adequate. After your query does a broad pass over your subject you can limit and refine the results to better suit your needs. --Like location, or format, perhaps.  

  • If you want to try a more refined search, use the Legacy Catalog.

  • If you're seeking Research materials, use the Research Catalog. For help with Research materials, go to the Third Floor.

About Subject Headings

In the library catalog, books, videos, and other materials are assigned "subject headings" based on their content. These terms are much like keywords but they follow standard structure and ordering rules. They are a useful and precise way to search because you're using the exact language the system is looking for. When you put the terms or strings of terms in a "subject" search it can lead to many discoveries. When you find something interesting, scroll down in the description and click on other subjects that may apply to your quest. Welcome to the rabbit hole!

Here is a sample list of linked theater-related subject headings, some of which pertain equally to books and videos (visual materials). It may give you a sense of commonly used vocabulary and how subject headings are structured. 

COMMON SUBJECTS
Acting Costume -- History Dramatic production Stage lighting Theater -- Great Britain Theater - Production and directories
Acting-Auditions Costume design Dramatists, American Stage management Theater -- History Theater -- Religious aspects
Acting--History Costume designers Dramaturges Theater audiences Theater in art Theater -- Reviews
Acting--Psychological aspects Drama collections Monologues Theater critics Theater in literature Theatrical companies
Acting -- Study and teaching Drama techniques One-act plays Theater -- Dictionaries Theater -- Moral and ethical aspects Theatrical producers and directors
Acting -- Vocational guidance Dramatic criticism Set designers Theater -- England Theater -- Social aspects -- United States Voice-overs
INDIVIDUAL NAMES OR PLACES
Pinter, Harold, 1930-2008
Pinter, Harold, 1930-2008--Criticism and interpretation
Mamet, David -- Criticism and interpretation
New York Shakespeare Company

 

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