Microforms, Harriet Irving Library

What is it?

Microforms holds materials which have been reproduced in a reduced size requiring special equipment to read. The most common forms of micro-formats include:

• Microfiche
• Microprint
• Microcard
• Microfilm

Why use it?

The Library’s collection in this format covers a vast and diverse range of materials and subject matters, including materials from the Engineering and Science Libraries: books, pamphlets, periodicals, newspapers, manuscripts, dissertations, dramatic works, government documents and much more.

Where is it?

With the exception of microforms in the Government Documents collection, most of the material in micro-format is held in the Microforms collection found in the basement of the Harriet Irving Library. The locations within Microforms are often dependent on format and are usually sub-arranged by Library of Congress call number. These locations are reflected in the Libraries’ catalogue, WorldCat, as well as in the floor plans.

• For further explanation, see Catalogue Locations and Call Numbers, which connects to appropriate floor plans.
• Arrangement irregularities:
  • Newspapers (HIL-MIC) are shelved in the basement by title.
  • English Literary Periodicals (HIL-MIC) are shelved in the basement by the year they were received, i.e. Year 1.
  • Early American Newspapers (HIL-MICP) are shelved in the basement by title.
  • The Loyalist Collection (HIL-MICL) is shelved by a unique call numbering system, which is alpha-numeric.
  • UNB Theses are shelved by UNB theses numbers, i.e. Thesis 344.

How would I search for microforms?

• Most of the collections are included in the Libraries’ catalogue WorldCat, but not all; so feel free to check with staff to confirm the title of interest is available.
• Newspaper Guide includes a searchable database for newspapers on microfilm, newspaper directories of what’s published, and searchable article databases.
• HIL-MICGD contains accompanying guides to some of the microforms collections.
• The Loyalist Collection catalogue searches for material within that collection.

What equipment is available and what are their capabilities?

Equipment is available to allow reading, scanning and printing from micro-format. Printing paper copies costs 15 cents/page and can be paid at the Commons Service Desk (first floor); scanning is free. Click on the equipment below for additional information for each.

• Readers – microfilm (3):
  • Gideon 900 (Manual advance; zoom capability)
  • Gideon 1000 (Motorised advance; zoom capability)
• Scanners (3) – Microfilm, microfiche, microprint, microcard; capabilities: viewing, scanning, saving, network printing, and emailing.
  • ScanPro 2000
  • ScanPro 3000
  • ST Viewscan

When is this material accessible?

The material and equipment are accessible for use during the Library’s hours of operation.

Is the material able to be borrowed through inter-library loan?

Yes, except for the reference materials: HIL-MICGD and HIL-MICGDL.

Services staff provide?

• Research and copy requests. See Costs.
• Newspapers on microfilm: duplication service
  • See listing of newspaper titles for sale; price is $50/roll.
• Tours, orientations, etc.