The Info Commons has equipment that allows you to convert your analog media—VHS videocassettes, audiocassettes and vinyl records—to digital files. Reserve time with the equipment and bring your media, plus a storage device, to the Info Commons at the scheduled time. We will provide a laptop with the appropriate software and any other needed equipment and cables. You do not need to book a room as well; you will be sitting in the open workspace, with table space and access to power outlets.
What can be transferred:
- VHS cassettes (via Elgato Video Capture)
- VHS-C cassettes (via Elgato Video Capture)
- Audiocassettes (via EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software)
- Vinyl records (via EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software
General Policies
You must have a valid Adult BPL card in order to use the digital conversion equipment.
You must bring in your own storage device (thumb drive, external hard drive, etc.) formatted in exFAT so that it can be used with a Mac.
You will need to leave a government-issued ID at the reference desk while you use the equipment. You are responsible for your own as well as the library’s equipment while you’re using it.
Info Commons staff will provide the digital conversion equipment, but we do not assist with the labor. You must also bring in your own storage device for your files.
The digital conversion process takes place in real time. For example: if your tape or record runs 20 minutes, it will take 20 minutes for it to be digitized.
Instructions for Reserving Equipment
We have an Elgato Video Capture and VCR for video conversion. To reserve the equipment, go to bklynlibrary.org/rooms and log in.
Scroll through the "Available Locations" box in the left-hand navigation and select "Central Library, Digital Conversion Equipment." Click in the box in the “Video Converter” column that corresponds to the time when you want to begin.
You can reserve the equipment for up to two hours at a time, in 30-minute increments. The maximum session length for all digital conversion equipment is two hours. You may make up to two advance reservations per calendar month. Equipment use counts as a reservation even if it's for less than the maximum session length. If you've already used your two reservations in a given month—whether those reservations had been made in advance or on the spot—you may make additional walk-in reservations if the equipment is available at that time, at the discretion of Info Commons staff.
When you arrive for your appointment, go to the Info Commons reference desk for assistance.
We have an Ion Tape2PC USB Cassette Deck for audiocassette conversion. To reserve the equipment, follow the same instructions as for videocassettes, but make your reservation in the column for “Audiocassette Converter.” When you arrive for your appointment, go to the Info Commons reference desk for assistance.
If you are bringing your own laptop, you must first download the free EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software onto it.
You can reserve the equipment for up to two hours at a time, in 30-minute increments. The maximum session length for all digital conversion equipment is two hours. You may make up to two advance reservations per calendar month. Equipment use counts as a reservation even if it's for less than the maximum session length. If you've already used your two reservations in a given month—whether those reservations had been made in advance or on the spot—you may make additional walk-in reservations if the equipment is available at that time, at the discretion of Info Commons staff.
When you arrive for your appointment, go to the Info Commons reference desk for assistance.
We have an Ion Air LP for vinyl record conversion. To reserve the equipment, follow the same instructions as for videocassettes, but make your reservation in the column for “Vinyl Converter.” When you arrive for your appointment, go to the Info Commons reference desk for assistance.
You can reserve the equipment for up to two hours at a time, in 30-minute increments. The maximum session length for all digital conversion equipment is two hours. You may make up to two advance reservations per calendar month. Equipment use counts as a reservation even if it's for less than the maximum session length. If you've already used your two reservations in a given month—whether those reservations had been made in advance or on the spot—you may make additional walk-in reservations if the equipment is available at that time, at the discretion of Info Commons staff.
If you are bringing your own laptop, you must first download the free EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software onto it.