What are "microforms"?

"Microform" is a general term used to describe the microfilm, microfiche, or micro-opaques used for the storage of documents that have been photographed and reduced in size in order to conserve space or to preserve materials that deteriorate rapidly. Newspapers, government documents, NAACP Papers, Early American Imprints, and Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC) documents are some examples of the materials stored on microforms.

Types of Microform | Microforms Collections

Types of Microforms

The News & Microforms Library Libraries has collections in the following microform formats:

• microfilm: long strips of transparent plastic rolled onto reels
• microfiche: rectangular sheets of transparent plastic stored in envelopes (can hold up to 98 page images per fiche)
• super-fiche: rectangular sheets of transparent plastic stored in envelopes (can hold up to 500 page images per fiche)
• micro-opaque: rectangular sheets of card stock stored in boxes. Though an obsolete micro-format, the Libraries retain numerous collections on micro-opaque.

How do I read microforms?

All types of microforms require special machines to read the page images they contain. The Libraries have machines available for patrons to be able to read all types of microforms

Can I print pages from microforms?

Many of the machines which patrons can use to read microforms also have printers that allow patrons to make a paper copy of the page image they see on the screen. Some machines use the Libraries' networked printing option. News & Microforms Library faculty and staff are able to assist patrons with their printing needs.

Can I save microform documents to digital format?

Yes. The Libraries have machines that allow patrons to scan and save microforms in "tiff" format to:

• floppy disk
• CD-ROM
• jump drive
• u: drive or personal web space (PASS)
• attachment to an email

News & Microforms Library faculty and staff are able to assist patrons with scanning, saving, and sending options.

Microforms Collections

Microforms Collections are an important source for historically important, rare, or damaged original sources. Microforms collections may be compiled from a wide range of archives and historical collections to make materials more accessible. Collections may be:

• theme-based (e.g., gay/lesbian, History of Women, Landmarks of Science)
• organization/agency collections (e.g., NAACP, National Securiy Archives)
• person-based (e.g., Martin Luther King, Jr. FBI Assassination file, Edward R. Murrow Papers)
• based on types of source (e.g., Early English Books, Underground Newspaper Collection)

Locators

Microforms Collections in the News & Microforms Library can be located using MicroFinder. Other microforms locators include LexisNexis Guide to Microforms.