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I was conducting research at Vivian Harsh at Woodson Library on yesterday, and was sorely disappointed by the lack of resources at this widely acclaimed research institution and regional library. There were four microfilm machines. Only three were working. Of those three, only one could make copies. I was there with another person who got there before me, so I was pretty much S.O.L.

The reel on the machine I was on advanced quickly, but I couldn’t print. The reel on the machine that make copies did not advance automatically, so the other person had to turn the knob. Either way, it was a lose-lose situation.

Because of the regard I hold for Vivian Harsh, the first African American librarian in Chicago, and the esteem held for Woodson library, I think new microfilm machines are needed. Repair of the current machines would do no justice for this institution. And it’s a research library! How do you not have tools for people to successfully complete their projects?

I would not take photos. It was already bad enough to have to write this story, but to add images of the machines would add insult to injury.

What needs to be done to get new microfilm machines??