Memory Preservation Station

The following types of media can be digitised:

• Video tapes (PAL and NTSC)
• Photos (up to A4) 
• Cassette tapes
• Photo film strips/negatives (35 millimeters, medium format, 4x5 inches)
• Slides
• 3.5 inch floppy disks
• Documents
• Camcorder tapes (VHS-C)
• Super 8 Reels and processed 8mm film
• DVDs and CD ROM
• Memory cards

If your 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.

It is FREE to use the Memory Preservation Station. You will need to provide your own USB or portable hard drive to save your digital files.

The Memory Preservation Station is available at Karratha Library on Wednesdays from 10.00am-4.00pm. Book your 2 hour slot via the link below or call Karratha Library on 9186 8660.

If you would like to book the station at another time please email local.history@karratha.wa.gov.au or call 9186 8660. You can also book online through the enquiry form on this page.

The station is also available for use at our Dampier and Wickham Libraries. Please email local.history@karratha.wa.gov.au or call 9186 8660 for more information and to book a session. 

We also have group information sessions, where staff will explain how to use the equipment.

To find the next session and to book visit www.tiny.cc/CofKLibraries

You need intermediate computer skills to operate a Windows computer.

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

The stations are self-guided and step-by-step instructions will be available. Staff are also available to help you get set up and will give you an overview of using the equipment. Unfortunately, they are unable to digitise on your behalf or stay with you for the whole session. 
 

Bring your items for digitisation, headphones and a USB memory stick drive (minimum 8 gigabytes) or portable hard drive to save your media. You can also purchase a USB or headphones from the Karratha Library. 

Scanning and saving files such as photos and documents will take a few minutes. Audio cassettes, camcorder and VHS tapes will need to play all the way through in real time to be recorded. You must be in attendance for the whole digitisation process.

When using the Memory Preservation Station you agree to the following:

• The person using the equipment is 18 years or older

• Users will not use the equipment to access, copy, convert or transmit material that is inappropriate, including anything that may be considered to be pornographic or illegal

• Users will not use the equipment to copy or convert any materials that breaches any laws of 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.

• Users will not download software or use their personal software on the computers

• Users are to respect relevant Australian Legislation, policies and associated documentation such as the Copyright Act, Trade Marks Act, Trade Practices Act, Spam Act, Anti-Discrimination Act, Legislation, Censorship Act, Cybercrime Act, Criminal Code and privacy policies.

• To respect the equipment and use it for the purpose for which it was intended

• Ensure all items are in good condition and do not contain any mould, dirt, or any other contaminants that can affect or damage the equipment

• Be aware that use of the equipment is at your risk. The City of Karratha is not liable for any damage to, loss or erasure of data from any media you bring to digitise at the Memory Preservation Station

• The City of Karratha does not take any responsibility for technical problems in using the equipment or software, saving documents, accessing sites or the accuracy of any information obtained

• Users should not alter any existing equipment, including cables or connections on the computer, but may use vacant ports to connect their own devices or equipment (e.g. USBs, chargers, headphones)

• Agree to advise staff if equipment is faulty or malfunctioning. Do not attempt to remove any obstructions or repair any equipment 

• City of Karratha reserves the right to terminate any session at any time, bar the use of facilities and/or delete any recording that are deemed inappropriate or do not comply with the terms and conditions

• Abide by the City of Karratha’s Library Conditions of Use Library Conditions of Use | Karratha Council