Microform Collections

The University Library maintains an extensive collection of serials, newspapers, statistical reports, and other special collections on microfilm and microfiche. The Microform collection is located on the Lower Level to the left of the compact shelving.

Microforms are an important storage and preservation medium for libraries. Microform formats allow libraries to acquire large collections of unique materials; to preserve newspapers, ephemeral or rare material; and to conserve valuable library space. The library acquires microform in two formats: microfiche (4" x 6" sheets) and microfilm (35mm reels).

If you have questions about the Microform collection, please contact the Periodicals Supervisor at (202)885-3248.

• Microform Collection
• Using the Collection
• Using the Microform Readers
• Individuals with Disabilities

The library maintains a subscription to many domestic and international newspapers. Past issues of several of these newspapers are available on microfilm adjacent to the Periodicals reading area. Major titles on microfilm are listed below:

Past issues of many of the library's subscriptions to journals and popular magazines are on microfilm or microfiche. A "Journal Title" search in ALADIN will tell you whether the journal you need is on microform or in the bound periodical stacks, also located on the lower level.

The library owns a variety of special collections on microfilm and microfiche that students and faculty are encouraged to use for their research. Some of the significant collections are described below.

• American University Dissertations: Graduate student theses and dissertations are stored on microfilm and microfiche. These numbers can be found in the ALADIN local catalog.
• Congressional Research Service (CRS): Briefs of important government reports and issues. Prior to 1991, CRS is on microfilm (Call #: Microfilm #339). From 1991 to 2004, CRS is on microfiche (Call #: Microfiche #75).
• ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center): Research in Education (RIE) publishes documents concerning all aspects of education. The library carries the entire ED document collection, from 1966 to 2003. Document numbers can be found on the ERIC website.
• Foreign Broadcasting Information Service Daily Reports (FBIS): Contains translations and analyses of radio broadcasts, periodicals and other news sources from around the world.
• IIS (International Index to Statistics): This collection contains information gathered by international organizations worldwide. The IIS collection is indexed in the Statistical Universe database.
• SEC File (Formerly Q File): Annual reports of publicly owned and traded companies from 1978 - 1997. The index can be requested at the Media Services desk.
• SRI (Statistical Reference Index): Statistical publications from domestic private organizations and state government sources. The SRI collection is indexed in the Statistical Universe database.

Bibliographies of Historical Sources Available on Microform:
Look through Microform Bibliographies on the main Media Serivices menu page.

How to start

Microform titles can be found by searching ALADIN. These will tell you whether the library owns a particular title and where it is located. Indexes to periodicals, newspapers and special collections are available in Reference, unless noted otherwise.

How do I find where the microfom I need is located?

The microform collection is located to the left of the compact shelving in the Periodicals reading area, to be used at your convenience. These include most of the department's newspapers on microfilm, journals on microfiche, as well as the ERIC, SRI, IIS and SEC collections. The Periodicals Desk staff can assist you with finding microform.

Microform Use

Microform may be viewed at one of the reader-printer machines across from the Periodicals Desk. Microform must be used in the library and are not available for outside circulation.

When you take microfiche from the cabinet, always put a paper place holder in it's location. This insures that fiche are refiled correctly. Your assistence is requested to insure that the microfiche remains in order and usable.

When you are done using microform do not reshelve it. Place it in the baskets for library staff to reshelve.

The Media Services Department has 3 Minolta Reader/Printers for patron use. The copy cost is $0.10 per exposure. Printers accept EagleBuck$ only. Non-AU patrons may purchase a generic print card at the card dispenser located in front of the Copy Center. The initial cost of the card is $1.00. These cards are reusable and value can be added at the Card Management Centers around campus.

The Minolta Reader/Printers are also able to save micorform pages as computer files that can then be emailed, saved to a floppy disk or burned to a CD. There is no charge for this feature.

All copying is done on a self-serve basis. However, Periodicals Desk staff are available to demonstrate the use of the equipment, how to obtain the best possible copy, and to assist with any questions the patron may have.

All copying is governed by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

For detailed directions on how to use the micorform readers, look through the online microform guide.

Media Services is committed to providing accessible service to individuals with disabilities. If you have a physical or communicative need that requires an adaptive device or accommodation to enable use of a library service, please contact the Reference Department at 202-885-3238 or (TDD) 202-885-3230 in advance of your visit.

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