Microform Collection

The Law Library has a unique microform collection containing many historical law documents and periodicals. The titles of the available microforms are catalogued in the UA Library Catalog, the automated library catalog, and are shelved in file cabinets in microform area. The microform area is located on the East side of the Law Library's main floor.

Microforms are photographic reproductions of printed materials, reduced in size. These photographs are placed on film strips (microfilm) or film sheets (microfiche). They can then be placed on a reader which enlarges the picture for viewing and printing.

Microforms can be viewed with the three microform readers available behind the file cabinets. Pages and articles can be printed from both microfilm and microfiche for free. In addition, they can be scanned and download to electronic files, CDs, and Memory Sticks. The scanned copy can be emailed.

If you have never used the microform readers or printers, a librarian on duty or a circulation assistant will be happy to help you.

How are the Microforms arranged in the file cabinets?

The Microform collection is separated into several sections divided by category and labeled with a color. Each drawer is labeled with a colored strip and the range of call numbers or titles it contains.

Divisions of the Microforms include:
Law Documents
Library of Congress (LC) classifications (call numbers)
U.S. & State Attorney General
Ohio Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court
Law Periodicals
State Session Laws
Ohio Bills Analysis
Ohio Appellate Unreported Decisions
State Session Laws
Ohio Bills Analysis
Ohio Appellate Unreported Decisions

How do I find something on Microform?

1. Perform a title search in UA Library Catalog by selecting TITLE
2. Look in the Location section of the catalog record. Location Law Microforms 2d fl
3. This indicates the material is available in the microforms collection.
4. If the title has a Library of Congress classification number, check the Micrographic Guide Chart on the wall near the microform cabinets to determine where the microforms with Library of Congress call numbers are located
5. In the example,JX171 .U55 T7, is located in the file marked with a dark blue label. The range of call numbers is listed under the colored label on each cabinet.
6. If the title does not have a call number like, Arizona attorney [microform]. This indicates it is a periodical and is shelved alphabetically in the microform collection.
7. Scroll down the screen to the holdings information for thr volume/issue no./year you are looking for. It should have LAW PERIODICAL beside the volume/number or date. The LOCATION field will say
8. Another way to determine if a periodical title is in the microform area is to:
   * Check the Periodical Holdings Guide at the Circulation Desk or top of the microform cabinets.
   * Find the title alphabetically.
   * Check to see if the title and issue you want is on microform, or bound with other issues of the periodical in the stacks.

Some periodicals may have issues both on microform, electronic databases and in the bookstacks. The Periodical Holdings Guide will tell you where to look.

If you need assistance in locating a microform, please ask the librarian on duty at the Reference Desk.