Does the Mansfield Library have films, audiobooks, slides and CDs available for check out?

The Mansfield Library owns approximately 15,000 videos and DVDs, 9,000 CDs, and 1,000 audiobooks. All UM faculty, staff, and students are eligible to checkout media for research or personal use. Other Mansfield Library borrowers are also eligible to check out media. Please see Check Out Policies for more information. If the materials will be shown for classroom purposes, faculty and students are encouraged to reserve media in advance through the Video Scheduling Form to ensure its availability. The standard borrowing period for media items is 7 days.

Does the Mansfield Library have sound effects that I can check out?

We have sound effects on both audiocassette and compact disc. A Keyword search for “sound effects" yields several results, as does a Subject search for “sounds.” If you select “Publish Date Descending” under the “Sort by” menu, you should see compact discs listed first, followed by audiotapes.

The "gold standard" for sound effects is the BBC Sound Effects Library (60 discs). There is a print master list of the entire CD set showing every track and sound effect. You can find it in the catalog by doing a Title search for “BBC Sound Effects Library”.

Does the Mansfield Library have copyright-free music I can use for a class?

If you are looking for a piece of music to use in a class project and don't want to worry about copyright, your best resort is to use copyright-free music. The best source for copyright-free music at the Mansfield Library is a CD set called “Extreme Music Library,” released by Films for Humanities. A keyword search from the Advanced Search screen for “extreme music library” will produce the records for the CDs in the set.

How do I browse the Mansfield Library media collection?

The catalog can be used to electronically browse the media collection. Use the call number browse (e.g. DVD 0001), or, in the Advanced Search, enter a topic (e.g. Drama) and limit to the form of media you are searching. You may also ask for assistance at the Information Center, (406) 243-6866. Additionally, the media collection is available for physical browsing by appointment. Mansfield Library Circulation staff members are also available to help with this process. If you wish to set up an appointment to physically browse the media collection, please contact Library Circulation, (406) 243-6734.

Does the library have streaming audio and visual material? How do I find it?

See Databases: Streaming Media to browse a list of the major streaming collections available at the library. We also license dozens of individual films from providers like Kanopy and Swank, including documentaries and Hollywood feature films. Individual titles held can be found through OneSearch. Apply the ‘Online Access’ Availability filter to limit results to non-physical items. Complete a Streaming Video Request if there’s a film you would like us to obtain in a streaming format.

You don’t own the particular item I’m looking for. Could I recommend it for purchase?

Please do! Anyone can recommend purchase of items for the Mansfield Library. You can do this by completing a Request a Purchase form on our website.