The periodical tour would not be complete without mention of the microform collection. Some of our periodicals (usually older issues) are not kept in paper, but are kept in microfilm or fiche to save space. These are housed in the microform area. This is the area to the right of the circulation area containing tables, metal cabinets, and microform readers and printers. As you look at the cabinets which store the microform, the ones on the left (NewsBank) contain fiche(sheets), and the ones on the right contain film(reels). The leftmost drawers are arranged by a three character locator code (topic). Others are arranged alphabetically by periodical title, and chronologically within each title.
In this room you will see microform readers/printers. We have four such machines which are state of the art. They allow you to view and optionally print an article from film or fiche. The two on the table (left) are used for fiche, and the two set on rolling tables(right) are used for microfilm.
	If you’re not sure what the difference is between microfilm and microfiche, then this illustration may help. Film comes in boxes and is spooled on a reel. Fiche comes in an envelope usually, and consists of on or more single sheets per envelope.
That concludes our two minute tour. (Okay, so it took a little longer.) Just keep in mind that if you have a question or problem (not addressed in this brief tour), a library staff member is always willing and able to assist you. Don’t be bashful, ask that question.	Thanks for visiting, please come again!

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Last Updated on 9/04/2003
By john cupole
Email: jcupole@nvcc.commnet.edu