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Rancho Bernardo Library Digital Memory Lab

 
 
Photo of computers and digital conversion equipment

Regular Hours

Monday12 pm - 7 pm
Tuesday12 pm - 7 pm
Wednesday10 am - 5 pm
Thursday10 am - 5 pm
Friday10 am - 5 pm
Saturday10 am - 5 pm
 
The Digital Memory Lab is an innovative do-it-yourself space for digitizing various audio/visual media formats, as well as scanning documents, slides, and negatives. Patrons will have access to knowledgeable library staff and volunteers, as well as instructions and orientations that explain how to digitize materials. Our mission is to provide users with the tools needed for the conversion and analysis of their digital projects so that they can ultimately proceed independently.
 
The Digital Memory Lab at the Rancho Bernardo Library offers three separate transfer stations, each offering different transfer formats. You can book a session by transfer format and appointment time. Please note that most transfers will happen in real time. Book your appointment here.

Accepted Formats:

VHS & VHS-C
DV & miniDV
Video8, Hi8 & Digital8
8mm and Super 8 Film (no audio)
Audio Cassette
Negatives
Photos
Slides
Vinyl Record
3.5" Floppy
5.25" Floppy

Digitization Instructions

Station 1: Video Transfer

Media transferred at this station:

Please note: External storage devices need to be Mac-compatible for this station.

Station 2: Scanning (Papers, Photographs & 35mm Negative Filmstrips & Slides)

This station is equipped with an Epson Expression 12000XL Scanner:

  • Large-format scanning up to 12.2" x 17.2"
  • 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution
  • Transparency Unit for slide/negative batch scanning

As well as an Epson FastFoto 640W Scanner:

  • Fast Batch Scanning from Wallet Photos up to Legal Sized Papers
  • Up to 1200 dpi resolution
  • Front and Back scanning at once

Media transferred at this station:

Please note: External storage devices need to be Mac-compatible for this station.

Station 3: Audio & Data Transfer

Media transferred at this station:

Please note: External storage devices need to be Windows-compatible for this station.

Lab Policy

  • Age Policy - The Digital Memory Lab is designated for use by people ages 13 and older. Chidren ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Parental consent is required for ages 17 and younger.
  • Release Form - A release form is required to use the Digital Memory Lab. Download and sign your Release Form before coming to your session or fill one out at the lab.
  • Food and Beverages - Food and drink are not allowed in the Lab. Food and drink can damage our media equipment as well as attract pests that can damage materials.
  • Saving Your Files - Please save your project files on your own external drive. All Digital Memory Lab computers are reset nightly so files cannot be stored on the lab machines without risk of losing data.
  • Storage of Personal Items - Hard drives or other personal items needed for saving or transferring files cannot be stored at the Digital Memory Lab. Materials brought to the lab for scanning or analysis must remain with you at all times.
  • Reserving the Lab - The Digital Memory Lab is open for appointments. Only one session per user per day. Reservations can only be held for 30 minutes maximum, thereafter, your station will be released. To book an appointment, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Digital Memory Lab?

The Digital Memory Lab is an innovative space to access, digitize, and share videos, audio recordings, photographs, and slides.

Do I need a library card to access the resources in the Digital Memory Lab?

No, you do not need a library card to use the Digital Memory Lab; however, you will check-in with a staff member, review policy and sign a release form.  If you are under 17, parental consent is required.

When is the Digital Memory Lab open?

The use of the Digital Memory Lab is open by reservation. 

Do I need a reservation to use the Digital Memory Lab?

Yes, reservations are required.

To book a reservation, visit our reservation page here.

I want to digitize, but I am unfamiliar with the process.  How can I learn?

All stations will have easy to follow step-by-step instructional guides. Knowledgeable library staff and volunteers will also be available for additional assistance.

How do I save my digitized content?

Bring a USB or external hard drive to save your content. Depending on the content, your device must be read & write compatible with either Mac and/or Windows (recommended format: exFAT).

For transferring video formats, at least 4GB for every 1 hour of video is recommended.

Do you have other programs/classes about digitization?

Classes will be posted on the Library’s calendar of events.

Contact Us

For other questions or comments email us at rbstaff@sandiego.gov.