Nicole/Jill--
The Dearborn Public Library has had a Digitization Lab since 2018. I am the
staff member that coordinated setting up our D-Lab and choosing equipment
to order, software to use, etc. While originally envisioned as a
self-service lab with a technician available to show the patrons how to use
our equipment for their digitization projects, over time it has become a
drop off service. This happened shortly before/after COVID, as our main
library (Henry Ford Centennial Library) was also undergoing a major HVAC
renovation from May 2019 - August 2020. After reopening to the public in
late 2020 or mid 2021, it became fully drop off. When we did have people
coming in and working on their projects themselves, it was mostly using our
flatbed Canon scanner to scan slides, photos, negatives after showing them
how to use the software to change settings, scan multiple images, etc. Once
they get a workflow going, if the patron is fairly tech savvy, it's easy
enough for them to do a significant amount in a 1-3 hour session.
Regarding conversion of video and audio formats, since the playback has to
be done in real time, it's not conducive to have patrons waiting around 2
to 4 or 6 hours for a VHS tape to be recorded (depending on whether it was
recorded in SP, LP, or SLP), or an hour or two for a camcorder tape to be
recorded. That's why we (relatively) quickly went to a drop off only
format. Our technician has 4 computers in the lab (1 iMac, 1 more powerful
tower desktop Windows PC, and a couple regular staff/public desktop PCs),
and he's usually running all 4 concurrently so that he can covert multiple
tapes, audiocassettes, vinyl records, etc. We have several VHS/DVD combo
units attached to these computers, using an ElGato capture device to
connect to the VCRs via composite (Yellow, White, Red) cables. The ElGato
capture software is simple and easy to use. Once the recording is
completed, there is a slider bar that lets you adjust the end of the
recording so that the file stops near where the actual video recording
stopped. This file can then either be copied to a patrons USB flash drive
or external hard drive, or for those who prefer, burnt to DVD-R so that
patrons can play it back in their DVD players. We use Roxio (Windows) and
Toast (Mac) for disc burning.
For audio recording, we use Audacity (Windows & Mac, open source) to
record, and have a dual cassette deck and a vinyl turntable that both have
L/R RCA outputs. Using a RCA to 1/8" headphone cable, these are plugged
into the Line In on the PC. After recording a side of the tape/record, the
technician pauses Audacity, flips the tape/record, and unpauses and
continues recording. After recording is done, he uses a feature in Audacity
to mark the beginning of each track so that it can be split in multiple
tracks for the folder that album will be copied to.
After an initial consultation with the new patron, our technician will
usually have them drop off 5-10 VHS/camcorder tapes or cassettes or vinyl
records for conversion, then email them in a week or two when the job is
complete so they can pick up their original materials and the converted
project files/discs. At that point, they can drop off their next small
batch. He usually has a small-medium handful of patrons' batches/jobs that
he's working on at any given time.
If you need any more detailed information, feel free to contact me and I'll
attempt to answer your questions. Here's the page on our library's website
giving some details about our D-Lab:
https://dearbornlibrary.org/digitization-lab/
City of Dearborn
Dennis Jameson
Library System Administrator
Automation
Henry Ford Centennial Library
313-943-2846
djameson(a)dearborn.gov
From: Jill Rauh via Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)liblists.org>
Date: Fri, Dec 19, 2025, 2:38 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Digital Conversion Center/Memory Lab
To: michlib-l(a)liblists.org <michlib-l(a)liblists.org>, Nicole Johnson <
njohnson(a)ishpeminglibrary.info>
I would also be interested in what other libraries have done.
Jill Rauh, Public Services Librarian
Benton Harbor Public Library
213 E. Wall St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/213+E.+Wall+St.%0D%0A+Benton+Harbor,+MI+…>
269-926-6139
www.bentonharborlibrary.com
The information and views presented do not necessarily represent those of
the Benton Harbor Public Library.
On Friday, December 19, 2025 at 02:24:12 PM EST, Nicole Johnson via
Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)liblists.org> wrote:
Hello!
Our library is looking into the possibility of purchasing equipment to
create a digital conversion center within our library for people to come in
and digitize old photos, slides, tapes, etc. For libraries that already
have this setup in place, what equipment do you recommend that works well
and is easy to use? Open to any suggestions and tips for creating a space
like this!
Enjoy the holiday season!
Thanks,
Nicole
Nicole Johnson
Librarian
Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library
906-486-4381
Hi! If you find that you have a surplus of rubber bands, zv219 could use some. Thanks in advance!
Abbie LaFountaine
JC Wheeler Library
PO Box 226
1576 S. Main
Martin, MI 49070
269-672-7875
“This week I've been reading a lot and doing little work. That's the way things ought to be. That's surely the road to success.”
― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl<https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3532896>
