Microfilm readers & scanners

There are 3 microfilm readers and scanners (connected to computers) available in the Media Centre for use by patrons. The reader/scanners can scan a digital image from microfilm, and users can either send the image to the network printer to be printed, or save it and send it to their email, or to a USB drive.

For assistance, please consult the Information Desk.

How to use

  • turn scanner on first
  • turn computer on second (if it is already on, it must be restarted)
  • as the PC is booting, you will be given 2 operating system choices.  Be sure to select Windows 7.

Scanner:

  • insert film roll on post provided, or insert fiche (face down) between the glass plates
    • film from rolls must go under the spools and between the glass platesmanually attach film from roll to take-up spool
  • to make necessary image adjustments as required to ensure you have a clear image:
    • use focus and zoom wheels
  • use rotation knob
    • move glass plate forward and backward, or side to side
  • to advance film as required:
  • use button for slow or fast forward or backward movement
  • open the glass plates to allow for faster film movement

Magnification lenses:  there are 2 different lenses on the 3 reader/scanners

  • 2 lenses magnify 13-27x
  • 1 lense magnifies 9-16x
  • the lenses are interchangeable between reader/scanners

Computer:

  • click on the “MicroSoft Office Document Imaging” icon (usually at the bottom centre of screen)
  • click on “File”, then “Scan New Document”
  • click on “Scan” button
    • this will reveal the set-up screen
  • ensure that
    • resolution is at 400
    • film type is at positive (this is what is usually required)
    • scan area is at 8 ½ X 11
  • click on “Scan”
  • after scanning image, set up next image to be scanned
  • then click “Continue”
  • it is best to do about 20 image scans at a time (no more) before saving, to ensure that the
  • copies are clear and centered
  • note: if the set-up screen is left sitting too long, the scan area will change, affecting the quality
  • of the scans
  • tip: the preview screen is beneath the “Continue” screen, and can be viewed by moving the
  • screen on top
  • when finished scanning, click “Done”
  • there are “+” and “–“ zoom buttons above the scanned image to enhance viewing

Options:

  • to print:
    • click “File”, then “Print”
  • to send to email or to save on a USB drive:
    • before saving, convert file to a PDF
    • click on “File”, then select “Print”
    • click on arrow box and select “Bullzip PDF Printer” or “PDF creator” or similar
    • click on “O.K.”, then click on “Save”
    • click on “File”, then select “Save a Copy”
    • choose where you want to save it
  • for email, save to “My Documents”
  • to save on USB drive, select desired disc drive
  • name file, then click on “save” (and then send it to yourself as an email attachment if needed)
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