Period Details

[vardathemessage]

script:
INT. NEWSROOM LIBRARY – NIGHT – 1984
 
Music continues as Arthur scans through another roll of microfilm.

Before computers and the internet, microfilm was the way back issues of newspapers, magazines and any type of records were stored. The documents were photographed and put on long reels that could be viewed with a reel to reel type viewer at the library. Reporters and anyone doing research would regularly have to consult them. Arthur also uses a Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, an index that lists articles from general interest magazines, which would help you find out what microfilm reels to ask the librarian for.
(see comments below for a correction.)

Comments

Ah Memories!

[velvetspur.livejournal.com]

Of being in the UCLA library and using the RG and stip film machines, before holdings were computerized. I love using the computer to look for things, but actually doing so in the library did center my head somehow and I always left feeling very smart after a day of it.

[chicken-cem.livejournal.com]

People still use microfilm, are you kidding? Our library still has it for several collections.

[vardathemessage.livejournal.com]

I wasn't really saying that microfilm was no longer in use but that in 1984, other than pulling newspapers and magazines from the stacks, it was the way to research. I imagine most microfilm collections will eventually go digital but it depends on the budget of the institution holding the collection.

[chicken-cem.livejournal.com]

Good point.

I think some really obscure collections may take a lot of extra time to go digital, not to mention that big collections with lots of backlog will take longer.

[keiko-kirin.livejournal.com]

Or could it be Music Index? I always felt the typeface looked more like Music Index than Reader's Guide, but whichever it was meant to be, I give them glittery kisses for the realism!

[vardathemessage.livejournal.com]

That sounds just right! The Readers Guide lists more mainstream publications whereas Arthur's reference lists NME and Melody Maker. The Music Index: A Subject-Author Guide to Music Periodical Literature. Thanks for the scoop!

[vardathemessage.livejournal.com]

Here's the current link The Music Index: A Subject-Author Guide to Music Periodical Literature.