Poets & Poetry

Videos can be a rich source of information for research, adding visual, sound, and movement to illustrate concepts beyond what can be described in words. Feature films and documentaries on DVD are available in each campus library, and are listed in the library catalog along with the books. Streaming video can be accessed through the library databases. These range from short educational and historical film clips to full-length movies and documentaries. 

Use ArcherSearch to find the widest range of videos from the STLCC library collections, including DVDs at the campus libraries and streaming videos from our largest video and film databases.

To limit your results to just videos, start by entering your search terms below. Once your results appear, click All filters, then scroll through the menu to find Source type, and select Videos.

Or go directly to one of the streaming media databases.

Films on Demand (FOD) is a wonderful database that offers access to film and film segments in many subject areas including poetry. Films can be viewed in their entirety or by short segments, making them ideal for presentations.  Once logged into the database, try a keyword search such as "poetry" to see a range of available videos. Search for the name of a known poet, Lucille Clifton, Billy Collins, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, etc,

A sampling of films on poetry offered through Films on Demand: (Login required for off-campus access)

You will also be able to find many other useful videos about a poetry on free Internet sites such as  YouTube. Try a phrase such as "def poetry jam" or a name of a poet such as "Rumi" or "Billy Collins" for example.

NOTE: YouTube is a classic example of one of the strengths and weaknesses of the Internet, which is the fact that anyone can post videos. As such, the quality and scholarly acceptability of videos varies greatly. There may be useful video clips on YouTube, however, so it is worth a look. Before referencing any material from YouTube (or other video sites on the Internet) in a paper or using a clip in a presentation, though, it is highly advisable to check with your instructor concerning the acceptability of the video for the assignment.