The Newton Free Library has a large collection of foreign language films in DVD videodisc & VHS videotape formats shelved in the Audiovisual Department on the third floor of the Main Library. The Children's Room also has foreign films which can be searched in the catalog; however they are shelved differently in that room.

 Chinese and Russian language films (which do not have English subtitles) are shelved separately.
 All other foreign language films are interfiled with English language films, arranged alphabetically by the title.

To locate specific foreign language films, search the Minuteman Library Network catalog at the computer terminals throughout the Main Library or from your home computer. Decide the kind of search you want to do and click Author, Title, or Subject above the white “Search For” box.

Search by "Author" - Treat the actor or actress or director as the "Author."
Type one of the three options below and then click on the "Search" button.

 Actor search - Type the Last name, First name of the actor.
 Actress search - Type the Last name, First name of the actress.
 Director search - Type the Last name, First name of the director.

Search by "Title" - Ignore the initial article ("A," "An," or "The" in the English title and the equivalents in the foreign film title) when typing the title.
Example - If you are seeking The Natural, type Natural or the Italian movie La Strada, type Strada. Type the title and then click on the "Search" button.

Search by "Subject" - Type one of the three options below and then click on the "Search" button.

 FOREIGN FILMS (insert name of country), Example: Foreign Films France
 MOTION PICTURES (insert country language), Example: Motion Pictures, Italian
 MOTION PICTURES (insert name of country), Example: Motion Pictures Germany

When viewing the search results, look in the right hand column to determine the format of the listed item (DVD, VHS, Book, music CD, or music score, etc).

Click on the appropriate listed line (usually underlined and in blue or red) to open the record to determine if the item is: "Available," "Out" (in circulation), "In Transit" (item returned to another library and now on the way back to the home library), or "Missing." If your search produces no good results, change the location on the search screen from Newton to "All Locations Collection" to search all 41 of the Minuteman Library Network libraries. Many, BUT NOT ALL, films may be borrowed from other libraries. If you need any help, please ask a Reference Librarian.

Funding provided through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

11/27/07 ejw