Despite what Dennis Duffy from NBC’s “30 Rock” says, technology is not cyclical.

In an effort to create more space and because the technology has become dated, the Film Library at Founders Memorial Library has drastically reduced its collection of 16 mm film reels.

Over the decades, the library amassed a collection of about 6,000 reels.

There was a hodgepodge of films, from Oscar winners like “Annie Hall” to historic films like “The Great Train Robbery.” But a vast majority of the reels were educational films used as class supplements, said Wallace Grant, head of Microforms and Media Services.

Currently, the collection has been reduced to around 200 reels, a decrease of more than 96 percent. Grant said that number could drop even further because some educational films still need to be reviewed.

“That format has gone by the wayside,” he said of the 16 mm reels and projectors.

David Lonergan, head of the Film Library, said even though the need for space began the re-evaluation process, the almost non-existent usage of the collection made the decision clearer.

“If it’s not being used and it’s taking up space, it can be a major problem for a library,” he said.

Grant said the decision to review the collection was made in May and the actual reviewing of the collection began shortly after. The library had tried to trim down the collection before, but other projects got in the way, he said.

Head of NIU libraries Patrick Dawson supports the decision to revamp the reel collection.

“We need to update our equipment to keep up with the constantly changing technology,” he said.

Lonergan said all reels were removed except for major motion pictures and films deemed historically or academically significant in any way. If a specialist made a case for a film, the reel would either be kept or simply updated in a newer format; usually DVD.

Disposing of the films consists of nothing more than throwing them in the trash, Lonergan said. Since they are state property, the reels cannot be ethically or legally sold for a profit.

It is the librarian’s way to keep and preserve items, especially when they become obsolete, Lonergan said, which made the decision to clean house a difficult one.

“Nobody is wildly happy about getting rid of the reels,” he said. “But it has to be done.”