system they used in sorbonne - question

I didn't see that part of the film as it is missing from youtube, but do you mean
Microfilm / microfiche readers?

I didn't see the movie either but if it wasn't a microfiche reading (which you can, or at least could, find in any American library) it was probably a Minitel. The French had an online service, through their telephone company, back in the early 1980s. It came with a terminal that looked something like early home computers (e.g. a Radio Shack Tandy TRS80.) Many many more French people had Mintels than Americans had computers back in those days.

@bittermilk2 For those who don't know, the OP is referring to this:
http://i.imgur.com/ijaIjqo.jpg

It's a Microfilm reader, also known as a Microfiche reader. Here's an example of one:
http://www.microfichereader.co.uk/ekmps/shops/jason2005/images/solar-heritagemaster-microfilm-reader-35-p.jpg