Using Microfilm and Microfiche

The library's microfilm and microfiche reader/printers are located on the main floor, near the photocopier.

If you need assistance with locating items on microfilm/microfiche or using the reader/printers, please ask a librarian.

Microfilm Directions/ Microfiche Directions

Using the Microfilm Reader

Getting started:

1. Turn on the microfilm reader using the switch on the right-hand side of the reader.
2. Load the film onto the left-hand reel located below the screen. To make loading easier, pull out the lens tray by grasping the black bar at the bottom.
3. Load the film according to the picture located on the lens tray. Reel should be placed so that the film goes over the top of the reel rather than under it. Also, be sure to thread the film between the upper and lower glass plates in the middle.
4. Insert the end of the film into the slot in the middle of the take up reel (on the right).
5. Advance the film by using the dial located on the right-hand table next to the microfilm reader. Turn counterclockwise to advance and turn clockwise to rewind. Push the lens tray back so that the image appears on screen.
6. Enhancing an image:
   · To zoom in on image, use the blue dial in the middle below the screen.
   · To focus the image, use the gray dial located in the middle below the screen.
   · To align image, use the dial located below the screen labeled “image rotation”. Use this dial to turn sideways images right side up.

Printing an image:

1. Align the projected image within the markings on the screen. Use the zoom dial and push the lens tray backwards or forwards to align the image.
2. Insert college ID or a copy card into the reader to the left of the microfilm reader. Copies are $.05 a page. Please do not place cards with holes punched in them in the reader as the card will get stuck in the reader. If you have a hole punched in your card, you may purchase a copy card from the value center. To put money on your card, use the Value Center machine near the photocopier.
3. Press the green print button below screen to print.
4. Exposure buttons located to the left of the print button allow one to lighten or darken the printed image.
5. Copies print out to tray at the bottom of the machine.

Finishing:

1. Rewind the film, remove from left-hand reel and place it back in its box. Place the microfilm in the basket on top of the microfilm shelves.
2. Please turn off the microfilm reader. Thank you!
   

Using the Microfiche Reader

Getting started:

1. Turn on the microfiche reader using the switch on the right-hand side of the reader. This machine will read both microfiche and microfilm.
2. Pull out the microfiche holder using the gray bar located underneath the screen at the bottom. Pull gently until the top glass lifts up.
3. Remove the microfiche from its envelope and place on the bottom glass. Place upside down with the top of the microfiche facing towards you.
4. Push the gray bar back (thus forcing the glass back down) until an image appears on the screen.
5. Gently, pull/push the gray bar up and down and side-to-side to find the desired page/article. Usually, the first page of the publication is in the upper left-hand corner.
6. Enhancing an image:
   · To zoom in on the image, use the blue dial in the middle below the screen.
   · To focus the image, use the gray dial located in the middle below the screen.
   

Printing an image:

1. Align the projected image within the markings on the screen. Use the zoom dial and the gray bar to align the image.
2. Insert college ID or a copy card into the reader to the left of the microfiche reader. Copies are $.05 a page. Please do not place cards with holes punched in them in the reader as the card will get stuck in the reader. If you have a hole punched in your card, you may purchase a copy card from the value center. To put money on your card, use the Value Center machine near the photocopier.
3. Press the green print button below screen to print.
4. Exposure buttons located to the left of the print button allow one to lighten and darken the printed image.
5. Copies print out to the tray at the bottom of the machine.

Finishing:

1. Pull the gray bar towards you until the upper glass lifts up, place film back in envelope and place in the basket on top of the microfilm shelves.
2. Please turn off the microfiche reader. Thank you!