FAQs

Q: What is the PBS VIDEOindex?
A: There are approximately 332 videocassette volumes in the collection, with over 21,000 minutes of award-winning and historical documentary material available on this site. This includes more than 40,000 people, places, issues, events and topics to search from. In addition to the video material, there are hundreds of curriculum resources including lesson plans, primary source documents, maps, graphs, timelines, biographies, and more.

Q: How do I find the material I need?
A: The PBS VIDEOindex is a tool for online research and video presentations for teachers and students. There are a couple of ways it can be used:

• Using VHS - The PBS VIDEOindex is a simple, low-tech system. Each video has a special PBS VIDEOindex® time clock located in the bottom right-hand corner of the video picture, containing the minutes and seconds of running time. The search function cross-references segments in all of the tapes in the database, giving you the exact tape containing the segment you need, plus the minute and second on that tape where your segment is located. You locate what you want, and fast-forward or rewind the video to that indicated time on your screen. You show only the segments you desire, with no need to view the whole tape.
• Online – The PBS VIDEOindex Online provides detailed information on over 30,000 minutes of indexed VHS video searchable online to help teachers enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. The videos are designed to be used throughout your school, college, or library as interdisciplinary resources in art, history, science, English literature, economics, government, and other departments.

Q: Do I have to use the counter on my VCR?
A: No, the running time is superimposed on the video itself and does not involve the counter on your VCR at all.

Q: Where does this material originate?
A: The collection includes award-winning and critically acclaimed programs broadcast on PBS and produced by widely known producers such as Ken Burns, Henry Hampton, Steven Ives, David Grubin, Olrando Bagwell, Ric Burns, Peter Kunhardt, and Blaine Baggett, to name a few.

Q: Is there a cost to use the database?
A: There is no cost to access all the information on the site. The only cost is the purchase of those videos for use in your school or classroom.

Q: Can I convert the videos to a digital format and store it on our school's video server?
A: No. PBS requires a separate licensing agreement for digital distribution. Please download our complete listing of programs available in MPEG formats or contact one of our sales representatives for more information.