Skip to Main Content

Microform: Getting Started

Welcome to the Microform Guide!

What is Microform?

Microform is a type of flat film that's used to record scaled-down photographic versions of content such as newspaper articles, photographs, records, etc.

There are two types of microform in the Library:

  • microfilm - a reel of 35mm film, generally used for storing runs of newspapers and journals
  • microfiche - a flat sheet of plastic film, mostly used for general reports and documents

In order to view microfilm and microfiche you need to use a specific machine.

Accessing & Viewing

How to access Microfilm and Microfiche collections

  • You can search for microfilm and microfiche on Library Search but the items are not openly available on the library shelves.
  • In order to access the collection, you will need to request the specific item at the Information Hub, located on the ground floor. A member of staff will retrieve the item from the Library store for you.
  • In order to view the film content you need to use the microfilm reader on the ground floor behind the Information Hub 

Viewing Microform: Machine Readers

  • Instructions for using the reader and the software on the accompanying PC are kept next to the machines.
  • You can save images from the reader screen to your own USB stick as a PDF by using the PC connected to the scanner. This is the default setting and images can be saved in other formats.
  • If you a member of University staff or a student you can also save to your N drive or print to an MFD
  • If you need help using the machine please ask a member of staff at the Information Hub on the ground floor of the Library.

Microform Reader

The library microform machine is located behind the Info Hub on the ground floor.

microfilm machine

Library Search

Search for books, articles, ebooks, databases, journal titles and other useful Library resources for your study and research:

students looking at a book shelf filled with books

 

The shelfmark of a print book will help you to locate it in the Library. The shelfmarks run A-Z through the building, starting on the top floor.