I haven’t used a microfilm reader in quite a while (although some libraries still only have holdings in that form), but I’ve used microfiche a lot more recently. The Boston Public Library’s older holdings, especially in the Research Library, still aren’t computerized. They’re only catalogued on microfiche, and if I want to look up some old books on random topics I have no recourse but to go to the old library building and search through the microfiched records.
It doesn’t help that the microfiche readers are in abysmal condition. But they always were.