Services & Reference Assistant -Training LibGuide: Finding Microfilm

Microforms sounds like something from a sci fi movie.  Actually, they were pretty technologically advanced once upon a time ago.  Maybe you have heard the words microfilm or microfiche?  Well, both of those are microforms.  Microforms are simply small (micro-) photographic reproductions of documents on film (microfilm) or paper cards (microfiche).

Microfilm comes on reels like this:

While microfiche comes on cards like this:

There are two locations for microfilm and microfiche in the library: the Multimedia Room and Federal Document Microforms area.  Both are on the third floor, though on opposite sides of the floor.

Regular Microforms will have a shelf location in the catalog of "Multimedia Collection Microforms."  As we take inventory of the collection and update the catalog, more and more call numbers will be listed as "MICROFILM:" followed by a four-digit number. 

Those that have not yet been inventoried will either say "FILM CABINETS" or "FICHE CABINETS."

Federal Documents Micrforms will have a shelf location in the catalog of "Federal Documents - Microfiche" or "Federal Documents - CD/DVD cabinets."  Fed Doc Microforms are easy to spot because they have the same call number system as the regular print Fed Docs collection.

• Address or appropriately refer multimedia and technical issues to Library Technology staff and/or Learning Commons staff as defined in the Student Training LibGuide.
• Operate the catalog to identify library materials for patrons.
• Find library materials on the shelf.