DBW Microform (Print, Card, Fiche or Film) Copiers, Readers and Scanner

Microprint/Microcard, Microfiche, Microfilm, Copiers, Scanner

What is a Microprint/Microcard?

 When a negative is printed onto photographic paper rather than film the product is called a micro-opaque. Each copy is printed by offset lithography rather than being reproduced from the original film. This is older technology that has virtually disappeared from the market, but library collections still contain millions of these items.

 The terms microprint and microcard are used to denote different sizes.
Microprints are large cards measuring about 5 by 7 inches.

Microcards are smaller, measuring about 3 by 5 inches.        

Micro-opaque images are read by reflecting light off the image rather than through it as is the case with microfilm and fiche (see below). Microprints/microcards cannot be read on the same equipment as film and fiche.

 

Microcard Reader:

We have one micro-opaque (print or card) reader. It is located in the micro copier area behind the Spencer Gallery on the first floor.

To use:

• Turn on the Microcard reader using the power switch on the front of the machine
  
• Pull the handle underneath the screen towards you to pull out the glass tray.
  Pull until the top layer of glass lifts up.
• Place the microcard in between the two plates of glass. Position it so the printed side is face-up, with the text oriented away from you.
• Push the handle forward to place the tray under the lens. 
• Position your image on the screen by moving the handle forward and/or backward, left or right.
• To focus the image, adjust the black knob on the front of the machine.

What is Microfiche?

Microfiche is a card-shaped piece of photographic film, usually 4x6 or 3x5 inches in size, used for  the storage of miniaturized text in a grid pattern. It can be read only with the aid of magnification by use of a microfiche reader. Microfiche may contain a printed book, journal, or newspaper.

We have a number of excellent resources in microfiche format. Click here for a description of what is available. 

Microfiche Readers:

We have nine microfiche readers on the ground floor.
If you need assistance using this equipment please ask at the service desk.

What is Microfilm?

Microfilm is a 6 mm or 35 mm continuous roll of photographic film containing miniaturized (micro) images of text. Micro filming is a way to preserve fragile documents, e.g. rare books, back runs of newspaper titles and/or journals.

We have a number of excellent resources in microfilm format. Click here for a description of what is available.  

 Microfilm Readers:

We have twelve microfilm readers on the ground floor.
If you need assistance using this equipment please ask at the service desk.

Microfiche/Microfilm Copiers: 

There are 2 microform (fiche or film) copiers in The D. B. Weldon Library. Both are combination machines, They:

• use debit card only
• copy either microfiche or microfilm
• copy either positive fiche/film or negative fiche/film

If you need assistance using this equipment please ask at the service desk.

Microform Scanner:

The microform scanner is located in the same area as the microform copiers. To use the scanner:

• ensure the scanner is switched ON before the PC
• load the microfilm/fiche using the posted instructions
• restart the PC if necessary. DO NOT insert your USB until after the PC restarts
• use your Western Identity account username and password to log on
• at the desktop, double click on the Capture Perfect 1.0  icon
• centre the image to be scanned. Adjust the zoom lens  and the focus using the blue dial above the glass plate
• use the mouse button to begin the scanning process:

• "FIle / Scan to Page" for single page
• "File / Scan to Batch" for multiple pages
• "File / Scan to Print" for a paper copy (costs 9 cents per copy, using a Graphics Services Debit (Copy) card).

• save your scan(s) to a USB, or send your scan(s) to the "Library" networked public printers across from the Service desk
• save scans(s) as .tiff, .jpeg, or .pdf files
• when finished, rewind the microfilm / remove the microfiche. Use the Restart option on the PC to log off
• DO NOT turn off the scanner.