Microfilm Readers - Yay or Nay?

           Today I saw something we haven’t seen in the library for a long time. A patron was actually using the microfilm reader. Our readers are old, finicky although decrepit may be a better word, and difficult to use. Does this explain the almost non-existent usage statistics or is it perhaps that our students have no idea what those odd shaped gray machines are? Does your library still have microfilm readers and is it used? Are your microfilm readers newer models or are they older finicky ones like ours? 

Today’s generation may reach maturity never knowing that this is how historical information was once preserved. They will never experience watching images flash jerkily by while trying to find the right page. My eyes are spinning just thinking about using one of these older models. Today everything is being digitized and made easily accessible on the web. However, that does not mean microform collections are no longer necessary in libraries. If the information preserved is only available on microfilm and the cost to digitize is too expensive, libraries will need to evaluate whether to keep it or have it digitized. The option I prefer is to check whether the information is available already digitized and available at a different local university library. If so, then I think when the readers finally quit limping along we should refer patrons to where the information may be found in microfilm or microfiche format and send our microfilm readers off to the obsolete pile. What do you think?

 

Image from BMI Imaging https://bmiimaging.com/imaging/adwords-digital-reel-microfiche-reader/