Microforms Collection

Finding Microforms

First and foremost, don't hesitate to ask for help at the Service Desk on the 1st floor!

ALICE, the Libraries' online catalog, is the first place to look when searching for something. If you can't find what you're looking for in ALICE, you may also wish to search InfoTree, the Libraries' selective database of research tools, which provides an overview of some, but not all, "microform sets" and of other resources in the Department otherwise easily overlooked. A "set" is a microform collection of related titles or materials. Be sure to record all Location and Call Number information in the screens in ALICE!

The Microform Collection's Newspaper Page has links to a page that lists most of the newspaper titles housed in the Collection, including all uncataloged titles, especially titles within sets.

You should also consult ALICE in regards to holdings on periodicals. Although microform periodical holdings information is being added to ALICE, consulting the database mentioned above is sometimes necessary for quick reference to a title's location and format, finding uncataloged titles, and in locating specific items within a set (reel/fiche numbers).

A printed database representing the former Microform Card Catalog, the Uncataloged Titles Listing, cites materials remaining to be cataloged into the ALICE system. Available at the service desk, this list cites by author or title uncataloged individual books and dissertations formerly noted in the Microforms Catalog (titles obtained prior to 1980). Individual titles within several smaller uncataloged sets are also represented in this list.

Many of these items are in storage (have storage box numbers) and others are listed as "in process" and are available on a "next-day" basis. Note to staff: If something is found in the Departmental List, always re-check ALICE to make sure the title has not been cataloged.

One section of the Collection contains printed Finding Guides and Indexes to microform sets and resources. In general "Guides" cited on ALICE or in the Microform Sets listings are found in this area or at the Service Desk.

Some materials can be located only through the use of special finding aids. Examples include materials from the U. S. National Archives purchased prior to 1990; materials from the British Public Record Office; the Kenya National Archives; or titles within sets such as the 300,000 volume British Sessional Papers (1731-) series.