Bogged Down with Analog Materials? Call Your Library!
Click the link to learn about preserving your family's precious memories (before it's too late).
Convert your memories into digital files; digital conversion is a unique service offered by some public and academic libraries.
As technology evolves, the days of renting VHS tapes from Blockbuster stores feel like a passing memory. Even so, those tapes have to go somewhere. For many people, that location ends up being a dusty box in the back of a storage unit. Even so, personal DVDs and VHS tapes may contain precious memories you can’t replace. Here’s how your local library may be able to help. Digitally convert your analog materials so you don’t lose important family history.
Digital Conversion Services
Digital conversion is a unique library service that allows you to use the facility’s equipment to convert your analog materials into digital content. For example, the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City will enable patrons to reserve time with their equipment to convert analog media into digital materials. They provide visitors with a laptop and any other equipment to help them complete their conversions. Each library’s digital conversion guidelines are different. Most will let you use their services for free with a library card.
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DVDs and VHS Tapes
As our world has transitioned, many of these items are deteriorating in forgotten storage spaces. Unfortunately, these can contain vital memories and historical documentation. More libraries are starting to offer digital conversion services for personal, academic, and historical purposes.
Historical Documentation
Digitization is also essential for historical documentation. The more extended analog materials are left unused, the faster they wither away. Thus, academic libraries mainly use digital conversion to further their goal of preserving history. Does your family have unique footage of a major historical event, person, or place? Call your public or academic library’s archivist if you have critical historical records or materials that need to be preserved and added to your local library’s archive.