So you roll up to York University’s Keele campus to do some primary source research at the Archives of Ontario. Now imagine you are in the dimly lit film-viewing room of the Archives. Among the hundred or more computer terminals, you sit and begin your journey into the past with a microfilm reel. There are some things to keep in mind when using these petite reels which can make the experience all the more interesting and worthwhile.
“Archive” by Aftab Uzzaman. Licensed under Creative Commons. CC BY-NC 2.0.
1. Install the reel properly!
Make sure you ask one of the trusty archivists how the machines are used. They can show you how to install and view the film, and even configure the settings on the computer. This is basic, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to begin rolling a reel, and slip, the film whips out of position. Ugh. Now you have to gently remove the reel, put in back on the spool properly, and gently guide the first several inches of slippery film through the spinners, under a glass plate, through another set of spinners, and up onto the receiving spool…again. You’ll be more confident with the use of the devices and will also be taking proper care of these meticulously made collections of artifacts.
“Microfilm Box and Reel” by SCARC. Licensed under Creative Commons. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
2. Blink!
Ever go to see a two-and-a-half-hour movie in 3-D? Remember how your eyes felt after you took the glasses off? That is exactly how you’ll feel when you look at microfilm for an extended period of time. Don’t stare at the screen for too long! The darkened room and the starkly vibrant computer screen give your corneas a good workout. You have to take breaks every now and then. Leave the room, go outside even and take in your surroundings. If you happen to be fast forwarding through most of your reels to get to the juicy bits, then the whipping-by of the documents on screen will definitely be straining.
“…strain takes it’s toll…” by Milton Gray. Licensed under Creative Commons.
3. Listen to music to keep yourself entertained!
Though primary source research is always crunch time, no fooling around, microfilm warrants some exceptions. You’re not actually viewing a motion picture, sorry to say, so there is no audio. If you’re viewing old documents that include photographs, a bit of music can help animate the process. It can make you more patient, and in some cases more focused on what you’re viewing. The sounds of other people spinning microfilm, clicking, typing, coughing…etc. can be taxing to your attention. Plug in with some tunes and begin to roll through the film.
“Apple In-Ear Headphones” by Collin Harris ADE. Licensed under Creative Commons. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
4. Be patient!
Viewing microfilm can be a very dry and uneventful experience. Remember that you are looking through a collection of images and writings, which, regardless of their use to your research, are relics of the past. Even if you are speeding through a lot of the reel to get to one particular section, sometimes just stop and have a laugh. Observe the peculiar handwriting in letters, the silly and ultra-polite language in the exchanges, the terrifying haircuts in old photographs, and the boisterously offensive fashion sense of the period. Try to keep things light. When the seriousness of your research starts to gnaw at you, take a moment to see things differently. You are on a mission, yes, but be cheery and don’t get discouraged. Even if the entire reel yielded nothing for you, that’s one more thing you can check off as looked into.
