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Research Guides

Periodicals Guide: Microform

This guide aims to help you navigate the print periodicals on the Lower Level of Geisel Library. It provides tips on how to find and use periodicals.

Microform Overview

What is Microform?

  • Microform is a scaled-down reproduction of a print publication (like a journal, newspaper, or magazine) put on film.
  • There are two types:
    • Microfilm - the images are on a reel of film.
    • Microfiche - the images are on a sheet of film.
  • Microform was used because its small size allowed places to store many publications without it taking up much space.

The Microfilm Collection

  • All of our microfilm is stored in wide file cabinets along the walls of the Lower Level. 
  • Microfilm are stored alphabetically by title.
  • The microfilm "A's" begin along the wall at the end of the "L" journals, then continue along to the open space at the center of the Lower Level.

The Microfiche Collection

  • The microfiche are in the file cabinets next to the DVD collection.
  • These are also stored alphabetically by title.

How to View Microform

Microfilm ProScan 3000 Reader/Scanner

  • This machine is on the table next to the KIC scanner (on the Lower Level).
  • You can use this machine to view and scan microform.
  • The scans of the microform can be sent to you via email and/or printed out.

Instructions *These instructions are also displayed next to the scanner*

  1. Getting started: Turn on the reader/scanner to the right of the computer by pressing the switch at the back of the scanner.
  2. Open the ScanPro software on the computer (it looks like a red circle with an "e" inside.)
  3. Select the format of microform you need to view. Most of our collection is microfilm, in the 35mm roll film format. Once you click on a format, the machine will automatically start. 
  4. Loading the microform: Load the microform into the scanner.
    1. For microfiche: Center and pull out the viewing surface (the glass plates). Insert the microfiche into the viewing surface between the glass plates, then push the viewing surface back in. You may need to adjust the microfiche a few times to get the alignment right.
    2. For microfilm:
      1. Center and pull out the viewing surface (the glass plates).
      2. A diagram will appear on the bottom right side of the computer screen. Load the film as indicated in the diagram:
        1. Slide the microfilm reel onto the metal rod on the the left, with the film coming off the top to the right.
        2. Pull the film under the first white roller, over the first black roller, between the two glass plates, over the second black roller, and under the second white roller.
        3. Pull the film over the big gray reel above the white roller. Slide the end into the slot in the gray reel. Turn it a few times to wrap the film securely around the gray reel.
        4. Push the viewing surface back into place.
  5. Adjusting/navigating: Use the options on the screen to adjust your view. You can go forward and backward in the reel, straighten, magnify, crop, focus, rotate, etc. Refer to the laminated Quick Start guide by the scanner for details on each option (it's also attached below in this guide), or click the Help icon on the screen.
  6. Output: You can do a variety of things with the microform images. You can save them as PDFs, print them, scan to a USB drive, save them in an email, etc. Go to the “Output” tab on the screen to choose an option.
  7. Finishing up: When you’re finished, turn off the scanner and log out of the computer. Please return the microform to the Periodicals desk so it can be counted for in-house use.

Minolta MS6000 and MicroSP 2000 Microform Reader/Printer

  • This machine is on the opposite side of the open center room from the Periodicals desk.
  • You can use it to view microform and/or print pages from the microform.
  • To use the machine, follow the instructions below. The instructions are also displayed next to the microform reader.

Instructions for Microfilm

  1. Turn on the microfilm reader machine using the rectangular gray switch on the right side. If you plan to print, make sure the printer next to the machine is turned on by pressing the rectangular gray switch on the left side of the printer.
  2. Setting it up: Pull the glass plate forward until it opens. 
  3. Slide your microfilm reel onto the metal rod on the left side. Make sure the film is coming off the top of the reel toward the right. (Refer to the diagram printed on top of the left panel of the machine for a visual example.)
  4. Pull the film and thread it under the first white spool, then through the glass plate, under the second white spool, and then over the big gray spool to the right of the second white spool.
  5. Slip the end of the film into the slit in the big gray spool and roll the spool around a few times to secure it.
  6. Push the glass back in.
  7. Adjusting/navigating: Use the gray knobs/dials on the left and right to move the film forward or backward. You can also use the red and gray arrow buttons on the bottom next to the glass plate to move the film forward or backward.
  8. If you want to move the film quickly, keep the glass pulled forward so that the film doesn’t rub and wear out or scratch the glass.
  9. Turn the two gray gear-like dials above the glass plate to adjust the focus and zoom in & out.
  10. Printing: If you want to print a page, line the page up between the vertical lines on the display screen and then press the green print button next to the display screen.
  11. Finishing up: Once finished, rewind the reel. If you need to do so quickly, pull the glass forward so nothing gets scratched. As you get close to the end, slow down so the film doesn’t snap.
  12. Reapply the paper-string wrap to keep the microfilm in place and replace the reel in the box. Please return the box to the Periodicals desk so it can be counted for in-house use.

Instructions for Microfiche

  1. Turn on the microfilm reader machine using the rectangular gray switch on the right side. If you plan to print, make sure the printer next to the machine is turned on by pressing the rectangular gray switch on the left side of the printer.
  2. Setting it up: Pull the glass forward until it opens
  3. Slide the microfiche in between the glass plates. Depending on the fiche, you may have to flip it over to get it to display correctly. Then, slide the glass back in.
  4. Adjusting/navigating: Turn the two gray gear-like dials above the glass plate to adjust the focus and zoom in & out. Turn the gray knob under the green button on the bottom right corner of the display screen to rotate the image.
  5. Printing: If you want to print a page, line the page up between the vertical lines on the display screen and then press the green print button next to the display.
  6. Finishing up: Once finished, pull the glass plate forward to remove the microfiche. Please return the microfiche to the Periodicals desk so it can be counted for in-house use.