Information Services

How do I know if something is in microfilm or fiche?
When looking up a journal, newspaper, or magazine in the CTW library catalog or in the Serials Holdings List (large, flat, print-out, listing all our journals, newspapers and magazines), you might see the word microform, microfilm or microfiche.

What's the difference between microfilm and microfiche?
Microfilm is on a reel and microfiche is a 4X6 inch transparent card.

What's on microfiche and microfilm?
Usually weekly magazines and newspapers.

Where do we keep this stuff?
Downstairs, in the basement, on the left (northeast corner), in large metal cabinets.

How's it arranged?
First by type of material, either film or fiche. Then, alphabetically by title of publication.

How do I use it?
We have three machines for microform.  Two machines can read and print either fiche or film.  The third one can only read and print fiche. Each machine is hooked up to a printer.  Printing is free. On each machine there is a diagram or brief directions on how to load the material.  The two fiche/film machines have a on/off button on the front.  The fiche only machine has button on the right side. Once the fiche or film is loaded and the machine is on you may need to make adjustments.  The two multi-format machines have three circular levers above the lens.  The top, beige, lever orientates the image.  The blue, middle lever makes the image larger and smaller.  The next lever focuses.  On the fiche only machine there is a lever for focus directly on top of the lens. When using the fiche you need to manually move the metal and glass plate to the left and right and back and forth to view the pages of a magazine.  When using film there are arrow buttons on the machine.  The red arrows will advance or reverse the film quickly and the gray buttons will advance or reverse more slowly.

How do I print?
Easy.  Hit the green button!

What do I do when I'm done?
Rewind the film on to the original reel or gently pull out the fiche, put it in it's cover and place it in the large wooded tray for library staff to reshelve.

What if I can't get it to work?
There is a troubleshooting guide for print problems taped to the table right next to each machine. If is still does not work; run up stairs and tell the Reference Desk Staff.