This collection does not include audio only formats, unless it is a component of the final moving image. For reel to reel or cassette tapes migrated to digital formats, see the Oral History collections, or the specific collection with which the original audio tapes were received.

This finding aid lists film and video holdings currently processed and known to be available within the archives of the Grand Rapids Public Library (Michigan). Other formats of moving image data, either analog or digital, are beginning to be included here, as these become available. The same contents might be found in the collection in one or more different types of moving image formats.

For several years, the trend was to put all departmental videos into the archival collection, but in recent years, this trend has changed, and most purchased digital versions and any purchase version in general may be instead housed in the regular departmental “book” collection. Since new as well as older materials are routinely acquired for the archives, it is just as likely that a video might be added as a digital format item.

Items specifically assigned to this collection are those that have no home in other GRPL archival collections. However, items from other archival collections, which are moving images, have also often been housed with Coll. 175, for consistency of housing and management for the moving image formats. Such items are described in the finding aids for both the originating collection to which the item officially belongs, as well as Coll. 175, where the item is shelved. Thus, this finding aid should ultimately act as a guide to all moving image holdings within the GRPL archives.

This collection was previously called the Grand Rapids Public Library Film & Video Collection. This is not to be confused with the public circulating moving image collections. Images in this collection are available for viewing within the local history department only. However, a master is available for some of the titles in the collection, and if copyright permits, copies may be ordered for purchase by users. A few titles have been produced by the Grand Rapids Historical Society or Grand Rapids Historical Commission, and may be found for sale at area bookstores.

Formerly this collection contained mainly content that was related to Grand Rapids local history only. In 2000, however, the scope of the collection was changed to include all of the moving images that are part of GRHSCC holdings, including Michigan subject matter and/or commercial products purchased for general use. In 2006, this process changed once again, and moving images are once again also now sitting on the open shelves in the department. Other titles which had broader subject scopes, such as preservation videos or oral history technique videos, are now included here.

Formats Originally the collection contained films, but as video became more and more popular, a number of the films were transferred to video tape. Items in all available film formats are included in the collection. Where the department holds a real or casual master, or only a purchase user copy, all items are listed in the collection. Since 2000, some masters have been received in digital format, adding yet another dimension to the collection. 16mm and 8mm films are included. Most video is in the VHS format. Unedited versions, variants and duplicate copies have now been added to the collection.

It is known that some content has disappeared over the years, perhaps from incorrect documentation in earlier processing, or perhaps from usage of unprotected single videos without the benefit of a master backup.