Information About Media Services

"Microforms" is a term encompassing four kinds of materials (microfilm, microfiche, microprint, and microcard). All four of these consist of ordinary print or illustrations which have been photographed and reduced to a very small size. For example, 98 pages from an ordinary book can fit on one 4" x 6" microfiche. To read a microform, one places it on a special machine(a "reader") which magnifies the print back to normal size.

A wide variety of materials can be found in microform. Many books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, unpublished research reports, dissertations, and handwritten manuscripts have been reproduced in microformats.

Microforms do not circulate, but copies can easily be made from all microforms (see "Circulation & Copy Services").

Portable readers for microfiche and microfilm material are available and may be checked out for one week.

Unlike ordinary books and periodicals, microform titles are not always listed in the UNL Libraries Catalog on IRIS. If you cannot find a title, consult with a reference librarian, or refer to "Finding Guides".

Most microforms are shelved in the Media Services Rooms in Love Library, Room 201 (see "Media Services Map"). Some microforms are also located in various branch libraries. Wherever you are, a staff member can show you how to find the item and how to put it on the reader or how to make copies.

Microforms can be accessed during regular library hours. Media Services staff are available to help you during Media Services hours.