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, Data and Maps Department, most of the material in micro-format is held in the Microforms Department, which is split between two floors: Basement and Third. 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 (5):
  • Gideon 900 (Manual advance; zoom capability)
  • Gideon 1000 (Motorised advance; zoom capability)
  • Recordak (Manual advance)
  • Northwest Microfilm (Manual advance)
• Readers – microfiche (2):
  • Canon
• Scanners (3) – Microfilm, microfiche, microprint, microcard; capabilities: viewing, scanning, saving, network printing, and emailing.
  • ScanPro 2000
  • ScanPro 3000
  • ST Viewscan
• Scanner (1) – Microfilm and microfiche; capabilities: viewing, scanning, dedicated printer attached.
  • Minolta MS 2000

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.