UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries, through its Microforms and Government Information Unit, has introduced two new ways for patrons to access and save copies of microformat materials — microfilm and microfiche — containing information they may need for research projects or other purposes.
- With “Scan on Demand,” patrons can request scans of up to 50 pages of material they discover through the catalog records; links have been added to the records so patrons can request scans as they discover items of interest.
- Users who need more flexibility and greater access to materials they want can access the Libraries’ microform collections from the comfort of their home, or anywhere else they have an internet connection, by using Penn State’s WebLabs application for remote access to the microform collections. The Libraries’ Information Technology Unit will authorize the user to access specific computers at the Libraries that will allow them to view the microforms, scan what they need and save the images to their own device. Users can schedule a time for remote access to the microform collections using an online reservation form.
The coronavirus pandemic, which upended normal operations for the entire University, was the catalyst for launching these services, said Eric Novotny, coordinator of the Microforms and Government Information Unit.
“The Libraries closed to the public in summer 2020, during which time we were regularly contacted by patrons needing access to material only available in microform,” he said. “Initially we started making scans for patrons once staff were cleared to safely return to the building. Support from our Strategic Technologies, Cataloging, and Interlibrary Loan units enabled us to place a ‘request a scan’ link in library catalog records for items in the Microforms area. This dramatically increased visibility and made it more convenient for users to obtain needed materials as they discovered them. The remote access option is more flexible for those who need more than 50 pages, may want to browse extensive materials to find what they need, or are reluctant to come to the physical library due to lingering pandemic-related concerns.”
To ensure a positive experience, a staff person is present with whom patrons can communicate at any time during their remote session via Zoom audio, video and chat.
“Most users are grateful for the personal introduction to this new way of accessing microforms,” Novotny said, noting that Penn State is among the first academic libraries to begin providing this service. “We’ve found that patrons who use the service more than once are often able to work independently once they’ve gained some experience.”
In addition to Novotny, support for remote access to microformat materials is provided by the following staff in the University Libraries: Ashoo Kumar and Sandy Morgart, Microforms and Government Information; Ruth Tillman, Cataloging and Metadata Services; Meg Massey, Access Services; Shane Burris, Interlibrary Loan; and Dan Peters, Strategic Technologies.
Staff from the Libraries presented a video, Microfilm Enters the Digital Age: A Big Evolution for a Microformat, for the Pennsylvania Library Association’s College and Research Division, who made the video available online for potential users to learn about the process. For additional information, send an email to [email protected]. To submit a form to request a remote scanning session, visit the Microforms and Government Information website.
