The Cumberland County Headquarters Library in downtown Fayetteville is proud to offer a state-of-the-art Digital Preservation Lab, located in the Local & State History Room on the second floor. This innovative facility provides a modern solution for preserving cherished memories, making converting old media into digital formats easier than ever.
The Digital Preservation Lab offers tools and expertise to help safeguard vintage VHS tapes, vinyl records, cassette tapes, photographs, negatives, or slides.
The Digital Preservation Lab provides a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. Users can convert VHS tapes to DVDs, scan photographs, digitize slides and negatives, and convert vinyl records and cassette tapes into digital formats. These services ensure treasured memories remain accessible and intact for years to come.
The best part? All these services are offered free of charge. The only requirement is that users bring their own storage devices, such as a USB drive or blank DVD/CD, to store the converted material.
The lab is equipped with the latest technology to provide the highest quality digital conversion. This includes a scanner, VHS-to-DVD converter, slide and negative converter, vinyl record converter, and cassette converter. This advanced equipment guarantees that the digital versions of media are as clear and accurate as possible.
The library staff are always on hand to provide training on using the equipment. First-time users are encouraged to schedule an appointment to receive a comprehensive overview of the digitization process.
To take full advantage of these free services, it's important to plan ahead. Because some processes, like VHS to DVD conversion, can be time-consuming, users should be prepared to invest some time into the digitization process.
Appointments can be made by calling 910-483-7727 ext. 1359. During the appointment, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide users through the process, helping them to know how to use the digitization software effectively. This hands-on support helps make the preservation of records a smooth and efficient experience.
In addition to the Digital Preservation Lab, the Local & State History Room houses a wealth of resources for those interested in exploring the history of Cumberland County and North Carolina. The department’s extensive collections include yearbooks, maps, pamphlets, newspapers, city directories, census records, indexes of vital records, and photographs.
These resources are invaluable for anyone conducting family research or delving into the rich history of the area. Seasoned genealogists or curious newcomers can visit the Local & State History Room, which offers a treasure trove of information to help uncover and preserve heritage.