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)