Access Review -
NYPL for the Performing Arts: Theatre on Film and Tape Archive

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Note

This is access information for the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (Lincoln Center). The library is fully wheelchair accessible and has an access page on the website so this is more of a “hey here’s what to expect/where things are” access review than anything.

I have no idea if anyone in my target audience would actually need this/find it useful, but I got very overwhelmed my first time using the archive and I know a lot of theater professionals use it so here’s the rundown!

I will include how to get a library card & sign up for a TOFT appointment as well.

I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can

Make An Account

Step 1: get a NYPL library card

  • you need to have a NY address to get a library card

  • you can make one online but to get a physical card you have to go in person. I went to my local library, they had me fill out the online application (just basic info) and then I showed them a letter addressed to me at my NY address and my driver’s license. Took a total of 5 minutes

Step 2: make a special collections account

  • go to https://specialcollections.nypl.org/ and create a special archives account using your library card number. It will ask you what your research is, the questions are super vague so if you are a student, a professional, or someone super interested in a specific topic for personal reasons those are all okay!

Make An Appointment

You don’t need to make an appointment to use TOFT, you can just go, but it is first come first serve so it’s a good idea to make one!

You can call or email to make an appointment once you find what you need on their digital catalog of the archive. I have found that the online “make an appointment” from the direct catalog entry does not work for TOFT.

To search the archive for what you need, go to the NYPL website and hit “my account” and then “go to the research catalog”. Use the search bar to search your keyword(s). If it’s in TOFT, it will say so in the item location box.

TOFT is open from 10:30-6 (until 8 on M/Th) and closed Sundays. Keep in mind that shows are long, so plan your appointment accordingly! You can email them at toft@nypl.org or call (212) 870-1642

Finding It

Step 1: go to Lincoln Center - the library is to the right of the Met and the left of the Vivian Beaumont Theater (if you go up the main Lincoln center steps, go straight toward the Met and then directly to the right of it, it’s kinda tucked in)

Step 2: go in the main door! There are security guards who will check your bag

Step 3: find the elevator. When you exit the security piece, go straight down the space between the stacks, take a right, and the elevators are on the right of that wall (illustrated terribly below) Take it to the third floor.

The Floor

When you exit the elevator, the bathrooms will be on your right around the corner.

Directly to your right is the coat check, this is where you will give them your bag and your coat. Be sure to take out what you need! (I took my script, fidget toys, pen, notebook, phone, and library card) They will give you a number card so you can retrieve your stuff.

To the left of the security guard’s desk is the entrance door. There is a desk that is straight ahead once you enter, go to them and say you’re there for a TOFT appointment and they’ll swipe your library card

You will then turn 180 degrees and go through the second door on the left

Can’t promise you this illustration is 100% accurate, I am going off of pure memory here. But it’s an idea at least!

The Archive

When you enter, go to the person at the desk on the left of the room and say you have an appointment. You will fill out a piece of paper to say who you are, what you are researching, and what you are going to be viewing.

(I usually put “dramaturg/performer, researching madness/disability in the theatre canon”)

They then tell you which monitor you will be sitting at. The chairs are spinny and squishy. They have over-ear headphones connected to the monitor. And they’ll explain to you how it works (super easy - basically you just hit play/pause, there’s a volume knob, and when Act I is done you type in “ready for act II” and they switch the disc for you)

Also the room has the distinctive high pitched buzzing noise of televisions. You don’t hear it with the headphones on, don’t worry!

When You’re Done

When your thing is done, you can leave and basically do the process in reverse! You leave the archive via a different door than the one you entered, it is closer to you when you exit (straight ahead/on your left)

  • use your number card to get your things back from the coat check

  • take the elevator down to the first floor

  • walk to the security guards, they’ll check your bag again on the way out