MICROFORMS SERVICE
1. What is a microform, and what types of microforms does Princeton collect?
2. How do I locate various microforms?
3. Can I print and scan microforms and what equipment is available to do so?
4. Are instructions available on how to use the equipment?
6. What if the scanner is not communicating with the computer?
7. Are some microforms available in electronic format?
8. What do I do if the reel of film or date I'm looking for is not there?
9. How do I get materials that Princeton's library does not own?
10. Where can I find historical resources in microformat?
11. Where can I find Latin American resources in microformat?
12. Is there a listing of newspapers that Princeton collects on microfilm available?
13. Are there any uncataloged microfilms and where can they be found?
1. What is a microform and what type of microforms does Princeton collect?
Microform materials exist in one of four forms:
- Microfilm: 16mm or 35mm film on reels, usually 100 feet in length
- Microfiche: 4" X 6" or 3" X 5" film sheets, each holding 40 to 98 pages
- Microcard: 3" X 5" opaque card
- Micro-opaque: 6" X 9" opaque sheet
Princeton University Library currently collects both microfilm and microfiche formats. Microcards and micro-opaques are an obsolete format, but the library has collected these formats in the past.
2. How do I locate various microforms?
Most microformat materials are cataloged and can be found by searching the Main Catalog. Some large sets, however, do not have item-level cataloging, so that in order to identify individual works, users must consult a guide or index. These reference aids are located in the Microforms Service reading room, along with a small collection of text-based CDs. Call numbers for the guides and indexes have the location Film B, followed by a call number.
Microform call numbers are preceded by the descriptors MICROFILM, MICROFICHE, MICROCARD, and MICROPRINT.
3. Can I print and scan microforms and what equipment is available to do so?
Machines are available to read each type of microform. A staff member is always available to demonstrate their use. The Minolta MS 6000 and the ScanPro 1000 readers/printers/scanners are available for reading, printing, and scanning filmed images from microfilm and microfiche. The ScanPro 1000 also reads/prints/scans microcards and micro-opaques. Self-service printing is available from dedicated and networked printers.
For scanning instructions on the Minolta equipment please consult the following guide:
4. Are instructions available on how to use the equipment?
Click for Microforms Equipment Instructions
5. How do I transfer scanned files to a CD, a flashdrive or to the Princeton central file server "H" drive?
Whether you are using the Minolta readers or the ScanPro equipment, save scanned files to the hard drive first. Then, drag to either a flashdrive, a CD or to the Princeton central file server ("H" drive) for users with a valid Princeton netid.
To connect to the H drive:
- Right click “Map Network”; then type \\files\ your logon ID – in the first box (Do not check off “reconnect at logon”) then click finish
- when password box opens, type: Princeton\your logon ID then your e-mail password; then click OK
- drag file that is saved on the desktop to your H drive
- be sure to disconnect by right clicking map network then by clicking on “disconnect network drive”
For information about connecting to this server, please consult: http://helpdesk.princeton.edu/kb/display.plx?id=5286
6. What do I do if the Minolta scanner is not communicating with the computer?
- Press the "Operate" button on the front face of the scanner to turn the scanner off and then on.
- Restart the computer. This should normally fix the problem. If it does not, please consult staff in Microforms Service for assistance.
7. Are some microforms available in electronic format?
Many microformat collections are being digitized by commercial publishers or nonprofit groups. Some of these digital resources are only available to Princeton faculty, students, and staff. Reference librarians can advise you about whether a particular source or collection exists in digital form. To confer with a reference librarian, go to the service desk in the Trustee Reading Room on the first floor of Firestone. You can also communicate in writing to refdesk@princeton.edu, and a librarian will reply within two business days.
8. What do I do if I cannot locate a particular reel of film or the date I'm looking for is missing?
If materials are missing, you can request them via Interlibrary Loan Services. Use the link on the header of the Main Catalog webpage or visit the Interlibrary Loan Services office on A level in Firestone Library.
9. How can I request microform materials that Princeton's library does not own?
If Princeton does not own a specific microformat source you need, you can check the online catalog of the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), a consortium to which Princeton belongs and that collects and lends large sets of microfilm for use by researchers at member libraries. Reference librarians can also help you identify other libraries that hold sources you need, so that you can place an interlibrary loan request for the material.
10. Where can I find historical resources in microformat?
Please consult the history resources webpage at: http://libweb.princeton.edu/help/research/history/
11. Where can I find Latin American resources in microformat?
Please consult the Latin American resources webpage at: http://firestone.princeton.edu/latinam/primarysourcesindex.php
12. Is there a listing of newspapers on microfilm available?
- African-American Newspapers
- Foreign Newspapers
- Russian and Slavic Newspapers
- United States Newspapers
13. Are there any uncataloged microfilms and where can they be found?
Yes, there are some uncataloged microfilms that can be found In Microforms Service stack #39. For the reel list of these microfilms see:
uncataloged microfilm collection.
Microforms and CDs do not circulate, nor do the printed guides and indexes in the Microforms Service (although we sometimes have circulating copies of the latter in the general collection).