Additional Script Libraries
…and more ideas for locating scripts.
We are not the only organization in LA that collects scripts and there are many other libraries outside of LA (mostly universities) that also have collections of scripts and entertainment industry ephemera. The list below is not comprehensive but is a good starting point. Most typed scripts are classified as unpublished manuscripts and are cataloged and accessed differently from published books.
We’ve prepared a detailed guide to locating specific screenwriters and/or projects from the past (in general, titles aired/released more than 15-20 years ago). In many cases, especially in academic institutions, scripts are just one format among many that can be found in archival collections and they can be accompanied by material such as correspondence, memos, notes, production schedules, call sheets, set photos, etc. Most of these institutions do not permit loans or photocopying of their script collections due to their status as copyrighted works but you can get in touch with staff librarians regarding your inquiries.
Many screenplays and teleplays, especially critically acclaimed or very popular releases, are published in book form and thousands have been published over the last century. Universities and public libraries around the world hold these books. In your quest for scripts, you can check WorldCat or used book websites for titles. Libraries use the subject heading “Motion Picture Plays” for these books. You can also search for the title plus “script” or “screenplay” or “shooting script.” If there is a specific title you are looking for and have exhausted your searching power, email us and we can help.
Motion Picture Scripts: A Union List
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Margaret Herrick Library maintains an index of screenplays held in the collections of 6 libraries in the metropolitan Los Angeles area.
The database can be accessed online at scriptlist.oscars.org and is updated frequently. The Writers Guild Foundation Library collection is included in this union list.
Los Angeles Area Institutions
These southern California libraries each have holdings of film, TV and radio scripts and are open to visits from researchers even if you are not a student. Peruse their individual websites to find more information and contact librarians.
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
Margaret Herrick Library
333 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Academy Primary Number: 310.247.3000
Telephone Reference/General Inquiries: 310.247.3020
American Film Institute (AFI)
Louis B. Mayer Library
2021 N. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.856.7654
The Autry Museum of the American West
Library and Archives
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.667.2000
Los Angeles Public Library - Hollywood Branch
Frances Howard Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Library (HRL)
1623 N. Ivar Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.856.8260
Thousand Oaks Public Library
American Radio Archives (some TV included) - as of 2021, is in the process of moving to UCSB Library
1401 E. Janss Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805.449.2660
University of California, Los Angeles
Special Collections
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(by appointment only)
310.825.7253
University of Southern California (USC)
Cinematic Arts Library
University Park
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182
213.740.3994
ctlibarc@usc.edu
Institutions Outside CA with Script Collections
Brigham Young University
L. Tom Perry Special Collections
Harold B. Lee Library
2060 HBLL
Provo, UT 84602
Indiana University
The Lilly Library
1200 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, IN 47405-5500
Indiana University - Black Film Center/Archive
African American Film Script Collection
Library of Congress
Catalog
Moving Image Research Center
New York Public Library
Billy Rose Theatre Collection
40 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023-7498
New York State Archives - may provide photocopies for a fee
Motion Picture Scripts Collection
New York State Education Department, Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 474-8955
archref@nysed.gov
Syracuse University
Bleier Center for Television & Popular Culture
S.I. Newhouse School of Publication
Syracuse, NY 13244
University of Maryland
Library of American Broadcasting (TV and radio)
University of Pennsylvania
Annenberg School for Communication Library Archives
3620 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.573.2839
The University of Texas at Austin
Harry Ransom Center
21st and Guadalupe Streets
Austin, Texas 78712
University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
2111 Willett Drive
Centennial Complex
Laramie, WY 82071-3924
Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Center For Film and Theater Research
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
608.264.6466