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The Hekman Library
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402
• Special Collections Databases ­ • Cayvan ­ • Curriculum Center ­ • Government Documents ­ • Hekman Digital Archive ­ • Microforms ­ • Ministry Resource Center ­

Special Collections Microforms

Introduction

Hundreds of thousands of books, journals, pamphlets, government documents and other resources are located in the microfilm area located on the 2nd Floor of the Hekman Library and in the Meeter Center. Microforms can be in one of several formats: film, fiche, or ultrafiche. Each format is filed separately in the Microform Area. MicroFILM is on a reel. MicroFICHE is a small (usually 4x6) plastic card. ULTRAFICHE is also a small plastic card, but the individual pages on the card are very small, usually about a 1/4 inch. Microforms can be a challenge to use, but the collections are unique and invaluable for certain research projects.

Microform Collections

There are two methods for locating sources within these collections.

WebCat: Search for microforms as you would search for a book. A search can be limited to only microforms by using the Advanced Search screen. Select MICROFORM in the Location box and then perform a normal search.

Guides: Finder guides are located near the microforms. These paper indexes are usually organized by subject, title, or author and offer a primitive but effective method for locating sources in some microform collections.

Reading, Printing, and Scanning

Three types of machines are provided in the microforms area located on the second floor. There are several idiosyncrasies associated with these machines, so if you need help, ask at the Research Assistance desk.    

  • Readers: All the machines allow the user to read microforms. 
  • Printers: Two of the readers have printers attached. For a fee, a researcher can print what appears on the screen.        
  • Scanner: One reader creates an electronic copy (pdf) of what appears on the screen and store it in a network folder. Only faculty, staff, and current students may use this machine. Please sign up to use this machine at the Research Assistance desk. For advance reservation times, call the Research Assistance Desk or email Kathy DeMey.
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Contact us with any questions or suggestions.
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 Phone: (616) 526-7197 Fax: (616) 526-6470