UPLINK member organizations can now borrow digitization equipment and software free of charge! This equipment can be used for internal digitization projects or to run a community digitization event.
When you come to pick up the kit, an UPLINK staff member will provide training on how to use the digitization equipment and how to create metadata for digital files. At the end of the loan period, you will be responsible for returning the equipment to UPLINK.
We strongly recommend that all volunteers who will be using the equipment attend the training session and that all volunteers already have basic computer literacy skills.
Equipment List
- Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner (2)
- Can be used to scan photographs, negatives, slides, or documents
- Up to 8.5 by 11 inches for photographs and documents
- Up to 3.1 inches by 10.6 inches (8 cm by 27 cm) for negatives
- Plustek Optic Slim 1180 Flatbed Scanner
- Can be used to scan documents or photographs
- Up to 12 inches by 17 inches
- Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR Camera with lights and tripod
- Can be used to take photographs of objects or oversized documents
- Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Recorder (2)
- Can be used to record oral history interviews
Each scanner comes with a laptop and all necessary software.
If you are willing to travel to Marquette, you can use the NMU Archives' digitization equipment for free. UPLINK staff will provide training on the equipment.
In addition to the kinds of scanners listed above, you can use the following digitization equipment at NMU (but you cannot check it out!):
- Book scanner that can digitize up to 43.3 by 39.4 inches
- AV equipment for cassettes, microcassettes, reel-to-reels, vinyl records, VHS tapes, 16 mm film, and mini DV tapes
- Batch microfilm scanner
Loan Policy
Eligibility
Any Upper Peninsula Digital Network (UPLINK) member heritage organization may borrow digitization equipment. The borrower agrees to use the equipment for educational non-profit use only, and not for any commercial use or application.
By borrowing digitization equipment, you agree to be responsible for the equipment and adhere to the requirements below. Failure to adhere to requirements may result in loss of future borrowing privileges.
If any items are lost, damaged, or stolen, the borrower may be responsible for replacement costs.
- Only heritage organization staff and volunteers trained by UPLINK will use the equipment. They will follow the proper handling of equipment as outlined in the UPLINK Digitization Equipment Guide.
- The equipment will remain on the premises of the address listed in the equipment request form or as indicated for a community scanning event.
- The borrower shall ensure all loaned equipment is kept in a secure, locked location when not in use.
- The borrower will notify UPLINK immediately if the equipment is lost, damaged, or stolen.
- The public should never have unsupervised access to the equipment.
- Food and drink will be kept away from the equipment at all times.
- UPLINK will assist the borrower in compliance with all applicable laws, including copyright and privacy laws. UPLINK is not responsible for any illegal activity resulting from the borrower’s use of equipment or scanned materials, including the violation of laws involving potential rights, copyright, or privacy.
- UPLINK will not be held responsible for any damage that might occur to scanned items using the provided kit. The borrower is responsible for determining suitability of material for scanning.
- The borrower will return all equipment in good condition, with the exception of disposables.
Duration of Loan
The loan period is one month from the date of pick-up. The borrower may request an extension. Extensions are subject to approval and will be granted depending on equipment availability.
Sign Up for Equipment
Email annipete@nmu.edu to schedule a loan!
Manuals for Digitization Equipment
Questions? Contact us!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at uplink@nmu.edu or at (906) 227-1429.