More Information
Why digitize?
For you:
VHS tapes can begin to deteriorate within 10-15 years. You may notice fading, increased visual noise, or tracking issues. By the 25-year mark, this process accelerates. Tape may become sticky, is more prone to breakage, and video or audio may be lost all together.
VCR players are increasingly hard to come by, even CD players are being removed from laptops and computers. And neither format can be shared with family across the country!
For me:
This is less of a side hustle and more of a passion project. I love my community, my friends and family, and care deeply about preserving our stories. I don't even think this will turn a profit, to be honest.
Born a "digital native," I've found it difficult to connect with older generations. My childhood was captured almost entirely on digital, meaning that to me, my family's memories begin at the turn of the millennium. Accessing VHS tapes has helped me to bridge the gap. Digitization has contextualized my place in my family, allowed me to hear voices of loved ones I've only known in photographs, and begun new conversations on social media. Plus it's fun... doesn't have to be that deep!
Qualifications:
I am currently one semester away from obtaining my Master of Information (formerly MLIS) from Dalhousie University with a focus in Archives.
My interest in archives began during a special topics archaeology offering at Saint Mary's University which covered the ill-fated Franklin Expedition.
Since 2022, I have volunteered actively with the Waverley Heritage Museum, providing me with hands-on experience and workshops via the Association of Nova Scotia Museums.
I completed a 100-hour practicum placement with the Halifax Municipal Archives in 2024, digitizing and describing a photographic inventory of outdoor art around the city. The practicum also allowed me to attend the Council of Nova Scotia Archives conference on disaster preparedness.
Most recently, I provided consulting services to a local history society looking to establish a small archive and reference library.
All said, working with film and outdated technology is an imperfect practice. Even while taking all of the necessary precautions, second-hand hardware and 30-year-old tapes can be unpredictable.
Best practices:
For storage following digitization (or if you are unable to have your tapes processed!):
- Controlled environment: avoid storage sites such as basements or attics due to fluctuating temperature and humidity
- Upright: avoid stacking, opt for bookshelf-like storage
- Protected from sunlight: avoid prolonged exposure to UV
- Fast-forwarded or rewound: avoid storing at mid-tape
- Check before playing: tapes with noticeable debris, odors, or physical damage should not be played
Digitized: What now?
Sad as it is, digital solutions are not forever, either.
Physical storage mediums such as hard drives or USB sticks degrade with time, too. Files corrupt, formats become obsolete, your basement is flooded, and so on. Cloud solutions only work so long as passwords are remembered and services don't begin to charge for access.
Your most realistic solution is to stay aware of how your files are stored. Choose a trusted solution and create a backup, print your favourite photos, and share with friends and family.
Feel free to reach out to me with questions! I'm happy to help.