Using the Library

Microform orders and sales

Ordering microfilm copies of original and rare materials

Copyright permitting, the Library can provide 35 mm microfilm copies of manuscripts and certain pictorial or rare printed items held in the Mitchell and Dixson Libraries. The microfilming is arranged through a commercial imaging firm.

Note: So that a preservation microfilm copy may be retained by the Library for future use, only complete items will generally be microfilmed for clients. All microfilming work is at the discretion of Library staff, and limits apply to the amount of material that can be microfilmed.

Microfilm copies of existing microfilms cost 22 c per frame (usually two facing original pages are filmed per frame).
Microfilm copies of unfilmed manuscripts or other items (i.e. complete volumes) may also be arranged, and usually cost 55 c per frame depending on filming difficulties.
The minimum per reel charge is $44.00. These prices include 10 per cent GST (for Australian orders only). Postage and handling charges are additional — approx. $6.00 (Australia) and $20.00 (international).

Newspapers and serials: To order complete microfilms or digital copies of complete newspapers or serials, please contact Collection Services on (02) 9273 1715.

Ordering digital or paper copies from microfilm

Copyright permitting, and at staff discretion, it may be possible to arrange the supply of these copies through a commercial firm.

The supply of a CD/DVD copy made from an existing black-and-white microfilm usually costs 60 c per frame (includes GST), plus postage and handling. This includes greyscale scanning (preferably from a duplicate negative microfilm), 300 dpi, and the supply of TIF/JPG/PDF (scrollable) files.
A minimum digital order charge of $44.00 applies (includes GST, but not postage).
The supply of A3/A4 paper copies made from an existing microfilm usually costs 70 c per frame (includes GST), plus postage and handling. If you need to copy only a few frames, please see below.

To place a microfilm copying order, or to obtain a copying quotation, please contact the Microforms Librarian.

If you wish to copy only a few pages from an existing microfilm, then reader–printer paper copies, black-and-white photographic prints, or digital scans may be provided. Where no microfilm copy is held, the following copies may be supplied direct from the originals (preservation considerations permitting): overhead scanned paper copies, colour digital scans, black-and white-photographic prints, or 35 mm negatives.

Please order and prepay for these through Document Supply Service.