Archive Lab


archive lab logo

The Archive Lab is a digital DIY space located at Central Library, and is part of the Eaton Florida History Room. It is comprised of 4 stations where you can scan and save your photos, home videos, scrapbooks, slides, and more. The Archive Lab is a great place to visit if you are concerned about preserving your family history for the future, protecting your precious memories from natural disasters, or simply want to finally share your old photos with friends and family on social media. The Archive Lab is also open to local organizations, small businesses, and churches who want to digitize their photos, recordings, and records.

Staff are available to assist with using the equipment. Walk-ins are welcome but availability for some stations may be limited; patrons are highly encouraged to book a session in advance. Please note this is not a drop-off service.

EQUIPMENT & FORMATS

Photo, Slide, Negative & Document Scanning

Epson FastFoto

  • Digitizes: printed photos and documents up to 8"x10". Can also do Polaroids and panoramic photos (8.5" x 36" maximum). Bulk load capability
  • Saves to: BMP, JPG, PCT, PDF, PNG, TIFF
  • Resolution: 300 to 1200 dpi

Epson Perfection Flatbed Scanner

  • Digitizes: any photo format, documents, photographic film strip, or slides up to 8.5 x 11.7"
  • Saves to: BMP, JPG, PCT, PDF, PNG, TIFF
  • Resolution: 300 to 12,800 dpi (1200 dpi or less recommended for most items)

Wolverine 8-in-1 Film-to-Digital Converter

  • Digitizes: photo film strip including 8mm, 35mm, 126, 127, 110, APS, Super 8; slides including 35mm, 126, 127, 110, APS
  • Saves to: JPG
  • Resolution: 20 MP

Cassette & Video (VHS/Camcorder)

 ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 
  • Digitizes: VHS, DVDs, camcorder media files (camcorder + compatible cord required)
  •  Saves to: MP4
  •  Minor editing software can be used to combine or separate video clips. Comprehensive editing software is not available.

Cassette-to-Digital Converter

  • Digitizes: Cassette tapes
  • Saves to: MP3

VCR/DVD player (for conversion and playback)

8mm/Super 8 Film Reel & Microform

Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel-to-Digital Converter 

  • Digitizes: 8mm and Super 8 video film reels, 3" and 5"
  • Saves to: MP4
  • These conversions are silent videos, there is no sound. 
  • Minor editing software can be used to combine or separate video clips. Comprehensive editing software is not available.

ScanPro Microfilm/Fiche Reader

  • Digitizes: microfilm including 35mm, 16mm and microfiche
  • Saves to: PDF, TIFF, JPG
  • Resolution: 150 to 2000 dpi

3.5" Floppy Disk Reader

Wide Format and Book Scanning

CZUR Book Scanner with basic editing software

  • Digitizes: books, scrapbooks, photo albums, and documents (text or image) up to 16.5"x11.7"
  • Saves to: JPG, PDF, searchable PDF, TIFF
  • Resolution: 300 to 1000 dpi

Contex Wide-Format Scanner with NextImage editing software

  • Digitizes: documents, maps, blueprints, posters, etc up to 44" in width. Feed scanner, flat items only
  • Saves to: BMP, CALS, DWF, JP2, JPG, JPX, PDF, PDF-A, TIFF, TIFF-G3, TIFF-G4
  • Resolution: 100 TO 1200 dpi 
 

Hours

Monday - Wednesday
10:00am - 7:30pm

Thursday - Friday
10:00am - 5:30 pm

Saturday
1:30pm - 5:30 pm
 

Location

2nd floor of Central Library, adjacent to Eaton Historical and Genealogy Collections.

Central Library parking is limited. Plan ahead! 

Ask about Archive Lab at 2nd floor Information desk or follow the Digital DIY arrow!

Frequently Asked Questions


Booking

Advance registration is highly recommended.

Morning, afternoon, or evening sessions are available. 
Session length: 2.5 hours M-Th & 3.5 hours Fr-Sat.
Users may book up to 3 sessions per week, availability permitting. 60-day booking window.

Book a Digital DIY Session

User agreements must be on file in order to use the Archive Lab.


Contact

EMAIL: Ask a Librarian

PHONE NUMBER:  941-748-5555 ext. 6310

TEXT MESSAGE: 941-234-0394

   

Digital DIY arrow


Archive Lab equipment and furniture is funded by a trust from the Elizabeth Eaton Foundation.

CONTACT US +

  • Information Services
  • 941-748-5555 ext 6310
  • Email Us