The Use of Microforms in New Zealand Public Tertiary Institutions

Developments in the technologies available to libraries have precipitated a change in how library managers handle their collections, shifting focus from collection management to content management. Microform has been a tool of the research library for many years; the aim of this project is to discern whether the libraries of public tertiary institutions in New Zealand are still using and managing microform collections, and whether there is any perceived future for the medium. Thirty three institutions' libraries were approached representing New Zealand's polytechnics, universities, and wānanga. Their collection managers were asked questions regarding their holding of microform, the management, promotion and use of those resources, and whether they see the technology continuing as a relevant medium. The results indicated that microform is generally only held in universities and wānanga; those resources generally receive no special treatment, and there is only a limited perceived future for the medium. The impacts of these findings are discussed, and opportunities for further research in this area are raised.