Newspapers are available on microfilm or on paper. The dates and contents for these various formats vary. As a rule, most greater Grand Rapids area newspaper holdings are held on microfilm. Only selective titles or issues of original newspapers are kept in the archives, with the primary user collection being those on microfilm. Due to the fragile nature of the printed newspaper, these items are generally used only for exhibits or special projects.

A general guide to Grand Rapids, prepared annually since beginning with an unknown date, current year kept at LH Service Desk, previous years, or extra current year copies are kept in a unique to itself. Duplicates may also be placed in the Ephemera Coll.—City Guides section, or in the non-archival Vertical Files.