Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery - Staff Wiki


OP Video Searching

  • Check the OP tray for any new OP Video orders. Start by verifying that the video is out of print by checking various sources such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the production companies web site.

    • If you find a new copy available, print the product detail and follow normal ordering procedures.

    • If you confirm that the video is out of print, follow the procedures below.

  • Check the OP file and get the oldest search file that contains orders. For example, if it is February, and the May and November files contain orders, search the May folder and then the November folder.

  • Since these are old orders, begin by searching USMAIaccording to normal procedures to make sure that we have not already received the title.

    1. Search Facets according to video searching procedures. Their database changes often, and sometimes OP films are released again.

    2. If not found on Facets, search Amazon using the title.
      It is okay to order from Amazon sellers for OP videos. Click on _ (number) new & used to access this if the item is available.

      • If there is more than one video available, choose the one in the best condition with the lowest price.

      • Check the Sellers rating to be sure than they are reliable.

      • Make sure the the Video is in the requested format. VHS, DVD, etc. If you can only find one copy, and it is not the requested format, email the requester. Inform them that you have been unable to locate a copy in the requested format, however there is an alternative format available that can be ordered if they approve.

      • Print the Amazon product detail page(s) and the Amazon Marketplace page(s) with the price and vendor name visible.

      • Highlight the price of the video to be ordered.

    3. If the item is not available from the above vendors, search the remaining amazon sites using the title:
      Please Note:Only choose items from foreign vendors if you cannot find a copy from a seller in this country.

    4. If there is more than one video available, choose the one in the best condition with the lowest price.

    5. Check the Sellers rating to be sure than they are reliable.

    6. Make sure the Video is in the requested format. VHS, DVD, etc. If you can only find one copy, and it is not the requested format, email the requester. Inform them that you have been unable to locate a copy in the requested format, however there is an alternative format available that can be ordered if they approve.

    7. Print the Amazon product detail page(s) and the Amazon Marketplace page(s) with the price and vendor name visible.

    8. Highlight the price of the video to be ordered.

    9. If the item we are seeking is not available from any of these vendors, search Google.
      Please Note:Again please avoid choosing foreign vendors. Make sure there are no copies available from sellers in this country first.

      • Try different combinations. Try searching for the title, director, and actors.

      • Print any pages containing product details, taking care to get the condition of the video on the printout if it is used, and the seller's details.

      • If an email address is available, send a Visa inquiry to the seller. Be sure to ask for the conditions of used videos, if they are not provided.

      • Again, Note if the the Video is in the requested format. VHS, DVD, etc. If you can only find one copy, and it is not the requested format, email the requester. Be sure to tell them you have not been able to locate a copy in the requested format.
        *Note:*Sometimes the title of videos can vary. Try searching keywords as well as actors and directors. To make a match it helps to look at the running time when available.

    10. If none of these searches have proved fruitful, try using Googleto locate the production company's email or mailing address.

      • A search of the company's name may bring up current contact information.

  • If no record is found of the item with any of these searches, record your searches on the Out-of-Print slip and refile the order under the current month in the OP Videos/DVDs file.


Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery . University of Maryland, Baltimore County . 1000 Hilltop Circle . Baltimore MD 21250
(410) 455-2232. Questions and comments to: Web Services Librarian