Brief History of Microfilm

May 15th, 2013

When you visit the Grand Rapids Public Library you can read microfilm copies of city newspapers from the 1840s to current times. Have you ever wondered how long microfilm has been available?

Transcript

When you visit the Grand Rapids Public Library you can read microfilm copies of Grand Rapids newspapers from the 1840s to current times. Many other materials and records have also been copied. Have you ever wondered how long microfilm has been available?

Although the first patent for microfilm was issued to a French optician in 1859, a New York City banker developed the first practical and commercial use, in the 1920’s. His Checkograph machine made film copies of the bank’s records. Eastman Kodak bought the invention in 1928.

In 1938 Harvard University Library began using microfilm for its Foreign Newspaper Project, setting a precedent for the use of microfilm for archival preservation in American libraries and institutions.

The threat of destruction to the records of civilization in WWII, added to the urgency of microfilming documents, archives and collections.

Increased funding and improved technology in the late 50’s and 60’s encouraged academic and research libraries to continue expanding their use of microfilm.

The information explosion of the 70’s forced libraries and institutions to use microfilm as an alternative to the storage of bulky print materials. Improved film, film-readers, viewers, and printers made this money-saving choice more acceptable.

Today, microfilm readers at the GR Public library allow microfilm information to be copied by print, sent by email, or downloaded to portable devices. Stop by and read an old newspaper.