AIDS Activist Video Preservation Project

New York Public Library

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Room 328 
The New York Public Library 
5th Avenue and 42nd Street 
New York, NY 10018-2788 
(212) 930-0801

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Finding Materials in the Manuscripts and Archives Division

Microfilming of the ACT UP/NY Records has been completed and the collection is once again open for research. Copies of the microfilm set of 148 reels can also be purchased from Primary Source Media at sales@psmedia.com. The AIDS Activist Video Archives can now be viewed by the public in the Manuscripts & Archives Reading Room. Videos can also be purchased depending on the retained Rights of videomakers (VHS or Beta) by contacting the Division.

Complete and thorough descriptions of the acquired AIDS Activist Video Collection and ACT UP archives can be found in the Division computer database on premises.

CATNYP, the online public access catalog of The Research Libraries, can NOT yet be used to find these records for this large video collection. Before long, we hope it will be available on the Internet via telnet at nyplgate.nypl.org (login nypl) or via the World Wide Web at http://catnyp.nypl.org.

Access to the Division

Access Procedures
A card of admission is required to use the Manuscripts and Archives Division. Apply for this card in the Office of Special Collections, Room 316. Each applicant must show traceable identification and supply the name and address of an individual who can verify the information on the application. Cards of admission must be obtained in person and are not transferable. They are granted for a period of up to six months.

Lockers are no longer available in the reading room. Readers are required to store all belongings not needed for research in the Library's coatcheck room on the first floor. This includes all coats, shopping bags, handbags, computer cases and newspapers. Valuables may be brought to the room in clear plastic bags provided by the checkroom. The use of computers is permitted; outlets are available at each desk. However, computer carrying cases must be checked downstairs.

Requesting Material
Video archival materials are paged according to the following schedule:

Call slip submitted by 11:15 a.m. 2:15 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 5:45 p.m.

Material is delivered Noon 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Next morning

To reduce delays, readers may place orders by phone, fax, or mail in advance of their visits. Large orders may have to be retrieved over several days.

Contact Information

Reference queries should be submitted in writing if possible. 
Please include your complete name and address in all correspondence.

Mailing Address:

Curator of Manuscripts
Manuscripts and Archives Division, Rm. 324
The New York Public Library
5th Avenue and 42nd Street
New York, NY  10018-2788

Fax machine: (212) 302-4815

Email: mssref@nypl.org

Telephone: (212) 930-0801

Manuscripts Specialists are available to answer brief reference questions by telephone during the hours that the division is open to the public.  

Hours:

Sunday Closed

Monday Closed

Tuesday 11:00-6:00

Wednesday 11:00-6:00

Thursday 10:00-6:00

Friday 10:00-6:00

Saturday 10:00-6:00

 AIDS ACTIVIST VIDEO PRESERVATION PROJECT Listing  www.actupny.org/nypl

    download PDF list download

  NYPL Manuscripts and Archives Division website  for complete video listings

DIVA TV Home

see also:

Report on the Archiving of Film and Video Work by Makers with AIDS _
by Jim Hubbard

VIDEO INTERFERENCE, A&U November 1998

see also: DIVA TV WRITTEN MATERIALS INDEX

see also:

ACT UP/NY [Workspace] Archives Donated to The New York Public Library Press Release