Microform: Overview

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What is microform?


Microforms are microphotographs of documents on film or paper and require magnification to read. The documents stored on this medium can include books, articles, newspapers, government documents, and others.

There are three types of microform in the Murray Library: 

  • Microfilm (rolled transparent film) 
  • Microfiche (flat transparent sheets) 
  • Microcards (flat opaque sheets) 

The University of Saskatchewan Library holds over 3 million items in microform format.

What machines can I use to read microform?


That depends on if you only want to read the microform, or if you also want to make a digital or print copy of the microform's contents.

All microform machines are in the Murray Library.

Learning Commons computer with microform scanner:

  • Requires NSID login
  • Accepts microfilm, microfiche, and microcards (opaque)
  • Prints to first floor CPAS printers 
  • Can save information to a USB or Cabinet drive as a .pdf or image file. You can also email the file to yourself
  • On the first floor of the Murray Library near room 122

Public use computer with microform scanner:

  • Does not require login
  • Accepts microfilm, microfiche, and microcards (opaque)
  • Prints to the Library Services Desk on the ground floor ($0.10/page, black and white only)
  • Can save information to a USB drive as a .pdf or image file. You can also email the file to yourself
  • On the first floor of the Murray Library near room 122

Readers:

  • Enlarge images so they can be read
  • No printing or scanning capabilities
  • There are three microfilm readers, one microfiche reader, and one microcard reader
  • On the second floor of the Murray Library
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Related Articles (3)

Common errors that might occur while using the microform scanners.
Where to find all our microforms and the equipment to read them.
How to scan, save, and print microform.