Media conversion stations

Digitise your memories using the Brisbane City Council media conversion stations located at Carindale Library and Chermside Library.

Media suitable for conversion

The following types of media can be digitised:

• audio cassettes
• film negatives (35 millimetres, medium format, 4x5 inches)
• historical documents
• photographic prints (up to A4)
• slides
• VHS tapes

Is there a cost to use the equipment?

There is no cost to use the equipment, but you will need a USB stick or portable hard drive to save your digital files.

What skills do I need to use the equipment?

You need intermediate computer skills to operate a Windows computer.

If you are not confident using computers, we recommend bringing someone to help you.

Book a training session

Join a group information session at Carindale Library or Chermside Library before booking the media conversion station for the first time. In this session, library staff will provide an overview of the equipment and offer opportunities to use it. 

Book a media conversion station

You can book a media conversion station for up to three hours to digitise your items. Book ahead to ensure availability.

To book:

• phone Carindale Library on 07 3407 1490
• phone Chermside Library on 07 3403 7200.

What to bring

Bring your items for digitisation and a USB memory stick drive (minimum 8 gigabytes) or portable hard drive to save your media. Libraries do not have storage devices available for purchase.

Step-by-step instructions 

At the media conversion stations you will find step-by-step instructions to help you use the equipment. Library staff will complete a brief orientation and answer your initial questions, but are not able to scan your items, or stay with you for the whole session. 

How long does it take to scan an item?

Scanning and saving files such as photos and documents takes approximately one minute per item. Audio cassettes and VHS tapes will need to play all the way through in real time to be recorded. 

Terms and conditions of media conversion station use

1. Check copyright
   It is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate copyright approval to reproduce and digitise your items. Visit the Australian Copyright Council website for further information and fact sheets.
    
2.  Liability
   Be aware that use of a media conversion station is at your risk. Brisbane City Council is not liable for any damage to, loss or erasure of data from any media you bring to digitise at a media conversion station.
   
   If you materials are fragile or precious, consider taking them to a professional scanning service. A professional service provider may also be better suited to a larger collection of items.
   
   Library staff have the right to end any session and/or delete any recording that is deemed inappropriate.