Digitally Preserve Your Precious Documents Using The Media PC
Our new digital preservation studio, the Media PC, allows patrons to scan and record VHS tapes, cassette tape audio recordings, film, photos, and other physical media, converting them to easily transferable, high-quality digital copies. This services is available free of charge, and assistance is available (and recommended) upon request.
FAQ
What is a Media PC
The library’s Media PC allows for the conversion of physical media into digital format as well as the creation and editing of born-digital media.
You can convert the following physical media into digital files:
What type of material can I convert?
- Papers/documents (12 x 17 inches max)
- VHS
- VHS-C
- MiniDV Cassette
- Audio Cassette Tapes
- Film: 35mm Slides, 35mm Strips, 4×5 Inch Film, and Medium Format Film. (Please note: scanning film will take approximately 30-50 minutes per tray. Scan time will vary depending on film type.)
- Photographs
- Photo negatives
How do I reserve the Media PC?
You can reserve a time online or call the library at 732-873-8700 opt. 3 to make a reservation.
What should I bring?
The library recommends you bring either a USB drive (4GB or larger) or other external drive for storage.
How long can I use the Media PC?
The Media PC can be reserved for 3 hours per day.
What software/apps are available?
The Media PC offers the following software:
- Audacity: Record, edit, and mix audio.
- Epson Scan: Scan slides, film, photos, and other documents.
- Elgato Video Capture: Record VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, and non-copyrighted DVDs.
- Handbrake: Convert videos from one digital format to another. You can also reduce the size of videos, making them easier to store and transfer.
- VideoLAN Media Player: Play multimedia files, including videos and audio, in a wide variety of formats.
Adobe Create Cloud software is available on the Media PC:
- Premier Pro: A professional video editor. Import, edit, and export videos, audio, and still images.
- Acrobat: Create, edit, manage, and view PDF documents.
- After Effects: Create visual effects for videos, online content, and presentations.
- InDesign: Create visually rich documents like magazines, books, brochures, and posters, both for print and digital formats.
- Media Encoder: Encode and export media files into various formats, optimizing them for different platforms.
- Photoshop: edit and manipulate images.
Do you offer training?
You can ask for assistance when making your reservation. Confirmation of reservations that require assistance will only occur if staff are available.
Online tutorials for some of the software are available through Gale Presents: Udemy.
Please see our Online Learning page for further information.
How long does it take to convert media?
Film media converts in real time. For example, a 60-minute video will take 60 minutes to convert.
Slides, negatives, and photos take roughly one minute per image to digitize. However, this estimate will vary depending on your settings.
What do I do if I need help?
If you have not previously scheduled time with a librarian when making your reservation limited assistance may be available. Please ask at the Reference Desk for assistance.
Policies
- Accommodates 1 person.
- Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended.
- Reserve online, or by calling 732-873-8700. You may make reservations up to 14 days (about 2 weeks) in advance.
- Next day reservations should be made by 3 PM the preceding day.
- Both reservations and drop-in appointments that require assistance or training are contingent on staff availability.
- May be used up to 2 times per week, per individual. Both reservations and drop-in appointments count towards the limit of 2.
- Sessions are for a maximum of 3 hours.
- Food and drink are strictly prohibited in the Media Room.
- If an individual has not arrived or called the library to report a delay within 15 minutes of their scheduled start time, staff may allow others to use the room.
- To use the Media PC, you must be 16+ years old.
- All recorded files and other materials must be taken home after each session is completed. Any files found on the Media PC after each session will be deleted.
- Please leave the space in a clean and orderly condition. Users must pay costs for repair of any damage incurred. Franklin Township Public Library is not responsible for materials or equipment left at the Media PC by the users.
- In the event the Media Room or Media PC is needed for a library-sponsored event, the library will ask you to change the time of your reservation to accommodate library usage. In such instances, individuals receive notification as early as possible.
- Converting media content purchased at retail or recorded off broadcast/cable television is strictly forbidden.
- The library reserves the right to refuse use of the Media PC if, in our judgement, the Media PC is being used to violate United States copyright laws.