What is Microfilm?
Ask for help with microfilm, microfiche, or microcards at a reference desk.
A sense of what it is and how you use it: Using Microfilm
Microfilm readers can scan images. Ask Library staff to show you how.
Borrowing Microfilm
Manuscripts (or other material) on microfilm is durable (which is the point). It can often be easily borrowed through Interlibrary Loan. But to make an ILL request you'll need to know a). that the microfilm exists and b). the series/collection title and/or lender. Ask a librarian for help.
British MSS on microfilm
- British Manuscripts Project: A checklist of the microfilms prep. in England and Wales for the American Council of Learned Societies, 1941-1945.Also available in print. Call Number: Olin Reference and Olin Rm 404 Z6620 G7U57
Lists the contents of 2,652 reels of microfilm containing reproductions and some rare printed materials in libraries in England and Wales made during World War II. Many classics and "cultural treasures" were included. The period covered is from medieval times to the 18th century.
Note: Cornell has some of this microfilm, but not all. In most cases, it's easily borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.
Manuscripts on Microfilm at Cornell
- Anglo-Saxon manuscripts in microfiche facsimile.Call Number: Olin Library Microfiche 1349Volumes : v.1-3; v.5-6; v.8-9 (1994-2001)
Index: Guide shelved in Olin Library Reference (Non-Circulating) Microfiche 1349 Guide - Medieval literary and historical manuscripts in the Cotton Collection, from the British Library, London.Call Number: Olin Library Film 8228123 microfilm reels. Guides pt.1-7 shelved in Olin Library Reference Film 8228. Volumes : pt.1-7 Online catalog: browse and search materials
- Chronicles and documents of medieval England: c.1150-c.1500 from Cambridge University Library.Call Number: Olin Library Film 8242Consists of 39 microfilm reels + 1 guide Includes chronicles, genealogies, letters, and various documents chiefly related to land, law, politics, and religion. Guide shelved in Olin Library Reference.
- Medieval and early modern women.Call Number: Olin Library Film 8263Consists of pt.1-2=reels 1-26 (2000-2002) and Supplements. Guide shelved in Olin Library Reference Film 8263 Guide pt.1 (2000) to date.
- Medieval and renaissance manuscripts from the Society of Antiquaries, London.Call Number: Olin Library Film 6673Reels 1-11 and 2 guides.
- The Early and central Middle Ages, c. 650-c. 1200 AD: the manuscript record.Call Number: Olin Library Film 6103Consists of two parts (25 reels). Guide shelved in Olin Library Reference.
- British literary manuscripts from Cambridge University Library.Call Number: Olin Library Film 5902Guide in Olin reference. Volumes : ser.1 (1984)
- British literary manuscripts from the British Library, London. Series Three, Medieval manuscripts to c. 1500.Call Number: Olin Library Film 8241Consists of two parts on 42 microfilm reels + 1 guide Guide shelved in Olin Library Reference Film 8241 Guide.
- British literary manuscripts from the British Library, London. Series One, The English Renaissance.Call Number: Olin Library Film 590353 microfilm reels + guide. Guide in Olin Library Reference.
- Early English books onlineUsed to be available on microfilm. From the first book printed in English by William Caxton, through the age of Spenser and Shakespeare and the tumult of the English Civil War, 1475 - 1700.
- Incunabula, the printing revolution in Europe, 1455-1500 : a guide to the units of the microfiche collection.Call Number: Olin Library, Shelved in the Olin Microfiche Alcove (on top of cabinets housing READEX U.S. Government Documents fiche)Volumes : v.1-50 Supplements: Guides: 1-16,19-25
Materials for the History of Medieval Scholarship
- The diaries of Sir Frederick Madden [microform] byCall Number: Olin Library Film 5452Consists of 17 microfilm reels.
- Catalogi librorum manuscriptorum Angliæ et Hiberniæ in unum collecti: cum indice alphabetico. byCall Number: Olin Library Film 1297 449:7 449:8From Early English Books. 2 volumes.