Uncovering Hidden Collections of Alternative Serials on Microfilm

Many libraries have significant backlogs of uncataloged microforms. As attention has shifted toward digitized serials in recent years, unique holdings with high research value may be languishing untapped in the older, often overlooked formats of microfilm and microfiche. Libraries that devote resources to surveying and cataloging hidden collections of microforms greatly facilitate discovery of valuable resources for research. The current effort to survey, organize, process, and catalog more than 10,000 reels of microfilm in the Tamiment Library at New York University has vastly improved access to a multitude of uncommon serials that have been used by researchers, both onsite and via interlibrary loan.