Convert-O-Lab
The Convert-O-Lab (COL) is a self-service collection of equipment for digitizing older media formats so they can be preserved and enjoyed today.
The COL is now available to be booked for the Video Tape Station or Scanning Station.
- Maximum of 2 reservations on the calendar at a time
- Maximum reservation time is 2 hours
- Back-to-back reservations are not allowed (although you can stay longer than your reservation if no one else is waiting)
Click on the icons below to place a reservation or visit our FAQ page for more information.
Formats you can digitize:
Video Tape Formats*
- VHS / VHS-C (smaller version of VHS)
- SVHS / SVHS-C (smaller version of SVHS)
- Digital 8, Video 8 (used in camcorders) - NOT Hi8/8mm
- MiniDV (used in Sony MiniDV camcorders)
* Video tapes from overseas may be encoded in PAL format which our player CANNOT play
Slides, photo prints & negatives
- Slide film
- Film negatives
- Images up to 12" x 17"
- Rapid scanning of smaller photographs
To use a COL station
- Book a reservation online for Video Tape Station or the Scanning Station (or call us at 507 328-2309)
- Reservations can be made up to a total of 2 hours/day, two active reservations allowed in the next 60 day period.
- Reservations can be made up to a total of 2 hours/day, two active reservations allowed in the next 60 day period.
- Bring a flash drive, portable hard drive (formatted for Windows - NOT Mac) or SD card to save your digitized files. No other formats are supported (see FAQ for more information).
- Check in at the Reference Desk a few minutes before your reservation time so library staff can get you logged in.
- Follow step-by-step instructions at the COL station for digitizing your media.