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.  

New film digitization services help preserve cultural heritage 

The LaserGraphics ScanStation is used by the Libraries to digitize film for preservation and access.

This World Day for Audiovisual Heritage October 27, UM Libraries is excited to announce the expansion of its services to digitize 8mm, Super 8mm, and 35mm films using a state-of-the-art motion picture film scanner. UNESCO’s World Day for Audiovisual Heritage recognizes film and videotape as essential parts of cultural heritage, and UM Libraries is now uniquely positioned to share in this commitment through the Digitization Centre.   

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.  

Donate media and video equipment to the Centre 

Ensuring film collections remain accessible relies on access to both new and old technology. Legacy formats such as 8mm and 35mm film, VHS, and U-matic tapes deteriorate over time and require specialized playback equipment, much of which is no longer manufactured and must be sourced second-hand. As legacy playback equipment becomes scarcer, film recovery becomes more difficult.  

If you have old media or playback equipment such as VCRs, camcorders, empty film reels, or CD drives no longer in use, reach out to the Digitization Centre. These items may support current or future digitization efforts and will help the Libraries preserve cultural materials for generations to come.   

Submit a digitization request 

The Digitization Centre offers digitization on-demand and accepts proposals for larger digitization projects to help build the Libraries’ digital collections.  

Submit a digitization request 

Learn more about the Digitization Centre 

Some of the benefits of digitizing with the Libraries include: 

• Materials are easier to share with students or colleagues, 

• Materials are available to a larger audience, and 

• Materials are easier to adapt for the creation of open educational resources. 

The Libraries’ Digitization Centre aims to enhance access to Libraries collections and open resources and accepts project proposals to help ensure the Libraries digital collections reflect and support the research interests of the UM community.  

If you are interested in submitting a project proposal for digitization, read more about the submission criteria and process and submit a digitization project proposal by Monday, June 30, 2025.  

For questions, contact digitization@umanitoba.ca.