Joan, It is likely a limit on how many circulating copies of the microfilm the library has. Often libraries will only have one circulating copy or perhaps only one copy period. The bottom line is that most Historical Societies have very limited budgets and try to accomidate as many people as possible. As frusterating as the time limit and limited number of reels are, the alternative might waiting months for obtaining the film. As for which reel you want, you are correct - it would be nice if it could be accessed online. I do not know why they do not make this available - perhaps it is a needed source of income to keep their library running. Two solutions you might try are 1) See if the Mormon Church's main library has a copy of the microfilm you want and rent it through your local Family History Center, or 2) see if you can find other libraries that have a copy of the microfilm and try to get it through them through inter-library loan. You are likely to have better luck with the former than the latter, though. As demand for copies go up, you will likely find that things become worse instead of better unless people start to financially support their Historical Societies. So, it is not that you are wrong, it is just that the solution requires $$. Anyway, this is what I try to think about when I am frustrated by limited access to material that I need. I fear that this will not solve your issue, but perhaps it will provide some measure of condolence. Peace, - Mike > > This is not intended to be critical of anyone or anything > but I do not understand why it is so hard to get on > interlibrary loan newspaper reels from the Missouri > Historical Society. Correct me if I am wrong as this is how > it appears to me. > > 1. To find the reel you might want you need to purchase > their index. > > 2. The limit of reels one library can order is very slim > and time restrained. > > It would appear to me that if you need information on the > area you are searching these would be excellent sources. > > Anyone know the solution> Joan > >