Film Library

Film Library 

an institution or a section of a film studio that collects and preserves films and original film materials, such as negatives, positives, and sound tracks, as well as documents, for example, scripts, cue sheets, reviews, and photographs. Film libraries also engage in the classification and scientific study of the cinematic works in their collections; when necessary, they also do restoration work.

The films and materials kept by film libraries are subjected to special treatment to prevent deterioration of photographic and physicomechanical properties. They are then housed in special archives, where they are kept at a strictly regulated temperature and humidity. Film libraries at film studios collect and store fragments of films previously released, as well as sound tracks with music and sound effects that can be used to make other films. Many film libraries conduct cultural and educational programs by arranging lectures and film showings and organizing film festivals and similar undertakings. In the USSR teaching film libraries have been established and integrated into the system of public education.

The principal film libraries include Gosfil’mofond SSSR, the Film Library of France, the National Film Archive of the British Film Institute, the State Film Archive of the German Democratic Republic, the Polish Film Library, the Czechoslovak Film Archive of the Czech and Slovak Film Institute, and the Department of Film (formerly, the Film Library) of the Museum of Modern Art in the USA. All are members of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), which organizes the international exchange of films and helps popularize the best film productions.

E. A. IOFIS