Media & Microtext Center

About us

The Media & Microtext Center is home to a diverse collection of media materials supporting research needs of Stanford students and faculty as well as providing a flexible space that reflects student needs and interests. Our collection includes films in various formats, microtext (microfilm/microfiche), tabletop games, video games, and other types of media. Special viewing and gaming stations are available to support the use of our collections.

The Media & Microtext Center is also the location for media course reserves. In addition, Media & Microtext Center staff are responsible for current periodicals, including scholarly journals (located on Green East second floor), magazines (located in Green Hohbach Hall), and national and international newspapers (located on Green lower level) and can provide assistance for finding and using these collections as well as offer research support.

Using the space and collections

Stanford affiliates

We encourage Stanford students and affiliates to drop in during open hours. Our film, microtext, video, and tabletop game collections are housed in locked stacks which staff can retrieve upon request. Advanced request for materials is not required.

Non-Stanford visitors

Students, scholars, and visitors from outside of Stanford who would like access to microtext collections (microfilm or microfiche) should contact the staff with inquiries prior to visiting (mediamicro@stanford.edu).

Study spaces

While there are no bookable study spaces in the Media & Microtext Center, there are ample tables for individual or group study. The Media Center & Microtext Center is dynamic and reflective of the students using the space at a given time, so noise levels may vary.

Equipment

The Media & Microtext Center is pleased to offer the following equipment that can be used on site:

• Microfilm and microfiche readers (Scanpro 3500 & Scanpro 3000)
• iMac
• Multimedia machine (full software list here)
• Media viewing stations that support these formats: Blu-Ray, DVD, LaserDisc, VHS including PAL region support
• Gaming consoles, including Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X Headphones, and a Ping-Pong table

Additionally, the Media & Microtext Center offers the following equipment that can be checked out:

• Portable Blu-Ray/DVD players
• Power banks USB-C hubs
• USB-C laptop chargers

Accessibility 

We are located on the lower level of Green East. Patrons with limited mobility can take the Green East elevator (near the reference desk) down to the lower level (LL).