An edition of the Littleton Independent
WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2024
VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 5
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Arapahoe Libraries expanding stations to convert old photos, recordings to digital formats
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
If patrons want to convert their old photos or films to a digital format, Arapahoe Libraries can help. As part of a push to help local families “preserve their history,” Arapahoe Libraries has media stations where people can do the work themselves for free. And they’re gaining in popularity. Multimedia Librarian Tim Fritz said the stations are easy to use. “Each station has a computer, digitizing equipment, software and easy-to-follow tutorials,” Fritz said. “Digitizing has been an increasingly popular service. Patrons can digitize their files at the library at no cost.” Demand from patrons inspired the library district to offer the services. “We were also inspired by the feeling that everyone should have access to the tools they need to preserve their history,” Fritz said. Demand for stations has grown steadily over the years. The district began two stations in 2015. Now it has 11 throughout the district. The district expects to expand to 13 in 2024 and possibly 15 in 2025.
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One of many digital media stations located throughout Arapahoe Libraries, which patrons can use to digitize older media such as photos and videos. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGAY DEAN
“Patrons have been our greatest promoters,” Fritz said. “It’s not uncommon to hear, ‘A friend of a friend told me I could convert some old home videos at this library.”’ Funding for the stations and the equipment comes from the district’s Information Technology budget. “We also have the option of requesting grants from our library friends organization,” Fritz said. Some patrons are at first intimidated by the digital media station
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equipment, but Fritz said it’s easy to learn how to use it. “Typically, within an hour those patrons are scanning photos and converting videos on their own, sometimes simultaneously,” Fritz said. “Watching their confidence grow is most rewarding. I’ve seen some of those patrons, while working at one station, assist a patron at another station.” SEE LIBRARIES, P8
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