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Using the ST ViewScan Digital Microform Scanner: Viewing Documents

Describes the basics of using the ST ViewScan digital microform scanner located on the 4th floor, behind the elevators. Thanks to Chris Clarke, Claremont Colleges Library, for the template to this guide.

Starting the ViewScan Program

1. In order to view your film/fiche, you will need to open the ViewScan program.

If you are at the desktop, click on the "ViewScan Premium" icon viewscan icon.

If you are at the ST Imaging splash screen, click anywhere on the image and that will take you to the mode selection screen where you can select the mode best suited for you. NOTE: not all options discussed in this guide are available in every mode; use Advanced Mode for all available options.

 screenshot of selecting a mode 

2. Once the ViewScan program opens, it should look similar to the image shown below.

screenshot of an initial page 

3. Through the program's top menu bar, you will be able to adjust the image on the screen as well as scan a copy of the image directly to a USB drive ("Save to USB") or to Printer 3 ("Instant Print") on the 1st floor at the Research Assistance Desk. 

The menu bar for viewscan

4.  Every reel of microfilm is different, so resize your film image whenever you begin a new reel. 

   A. Click anywhere on the microfilm image (the default cursor is a magnifying glass). The on-screen image may appear to shrink, displaying the exact image as seen through the machine's optical lens, or the “Full Frame.” This entire area will be scanned if you use the Capture Full Frame scanning option.     

   B. You may need to make basic adjustments or Zoom In/Out to fit the image within the Full Frame. For most newspapers, you will be trying to fit one complete page into the Full Frame. For documents with smaller pages, you may want to fit two into the Full Frame.  

 

   C. If you Zoom In, you will need to Focus In. If you Zoom Out, you will need to Focus Out.