Photoessay #2902 - Microfilm machine

I requested a New Haven city history through Interlibrary Loan at UW.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE ILL?  I'm thrilled that Access Students can use it.

To my dismay, the librarian handed over a reel of microfilm.  Dang, why hadn't I noticed that?

So, finally I make it over to the Bothell Public Library.  I have an intimate prior relationship with their microfilm machine when I read all those 1877-78 New Haven newspapers last year.  More gold through ILL.  I'm probably the only one who uses it, I never have a problem getting it.

So I return to my familiar place where I dumped jillions of dimes to make copies.  OK, I know this is an age thing.  But I couldn't remember how to turn it on.  I couldn't remember how to make it change orientation.  I threaded the microfilm the wrong way and dumped a bunch on the floor..  I barely could load it though I eventually loaded it.

Finally I got it straightened out but the medium term memory was shot.  When I get it going, the document is a history of a bank in Rhode Island.  That's helpful.  I realize that there's more than 1 book on this reel.  I eventually find the history of New Haven.  But it was a disappointment, just a pamphlet, nothing useful.

Still, I feel if I've requested somethng from ILL, I have an obligation to at least look at it!

Picture from an auction site purplewave.com  Used without permission.

Ilana found a microfilm machine in a thrift store in Birmingham.  A real deal.  But how the heck was she supposed to get it back to Alabama.  She had to pass it up.