UM Libraries new Digitization Centre now open and accepting digitization requests

UM Libraries Digitization Centre is officially open and accepting digitization requests from UM students, staff, faculty and the public. The Digitization Centre digitizes materials such as books, textual materials, photographs, slides, negatives, large formats like maps or architectural drawings, and now film. 

The Centre prioritizes digitization services for UM students, faculty and staff, and offers free services for small digitization requests related to UM research, work, and studies. Find out more about fees that might apply to larger or non-UM-related requests. 

Film digitization services help preserve cultural heritage

UM Libraries Digitization Centre has recently been able to expand its services to digitize 8mm, Super 8mm, and 35mm films using a state-of-the-art motion picture film scanner. 

Unique films, such as this 1970 football game featuring the University of Manitoba Bisons vs. the University of Calgary Dinosaurs, can now be digitized at the University of Manitoba Libraries instead of being sent off-site, helping to reduce digitization turnaround times and protect fragile films from shipping and handling damage.

Digitization makes research accessible online

Students and researchers have come to expect research and materials to be easily accessible online, but a lot of content remains only available in physical library collections. Along with digitizing requested materials from students and faculty, the Centre works on digitizing physical collections the Libraries already owns to add them to the Libraries digital collections. 

Digitization is essential for enhancing access to materials that may only be available in physical formats, or on out-of-date playback equipment, and makes them more shareable and viewable online. This broadened access makes open scholarship, teaching and research easier.