Digital Scanners

Multifunctional Devices (MFDs) & Stand-alone Scanners

Free scanning is available at the KonicaMinolta Multifunctional Devices (MFDs) in the Main Library and at every branch, also at the stand-alone scanners in the Magazines and Newspapers Center on the Main Library’s 5th floor.

What types of material can I scan?

At the MFDs, you can scan documents or photographs. At the scanners in the Magazines &Newspapers Center, you may scan photographs, negatives, slides, film, text documents, opaque micro and aperture cards, film transparencies, microfilm or microfiche, and nearly any flat media that will fit on the scanner platens.

Can I adjust the resolution of the scan?

At the scanners in the Magazines & Newspapers Center, choose high resolution for archival quality, optically scanned directly from the source. Choose standard resolution to closely approximate the image, as seen on the PC monitor.

Is there a limit on the size of the file I can scan?

If you are emailing a scanned file, the size cannot exceed 10MB.

How much do the scanners cost to use?

The scanners are free to use. There is no charge if you email or download scans to a USB drive but, in order to use the scanning function at the MFDs, you must use a copy/print card with at least 10¢ value.

How much does it cost to print from a scan?

10¢ per scanned page for black and white; 40¢ per scanned page for color.

How are scanners reserved?

Scanners are available on a first come, first served basis. There is a 30 minute time limit when others are waiting. At the Magazines &Newspapers Center,please sign in as you begin your session.

What training does the Library provide?

Staff in the Magazines & Newspapers Center can provide limited assistance with using the digital scanners. Additionally, training workshops are regularly conducted on a variety of scanner topics. See the public Calendar for more information.

What kind of hardware and software does the Library have?

The KonicaMinolta Bizhub C280 is located at all Library locations. In the Magazines &Newspapers Center, the ST200X digital scanner is used for microfilm, microfiche, 16mm and 35mm direct film scanning and the Epson V700 Companion Scanner for film, photos and all paper documents. The flatbed scanner can accommodate any media up to 9 x 12 inches. Both units use ScanWrite software to capture and edit images and text.

How can I save my scans?

There are three ways to save your scans: by printing, emailing or saving to a USB flash drive*.

Print directly in black & white or in color
Email PDF (at the Magazines &Newspapers Center) or PDF, TIFF or JPG (at MFDs) versions of your scans to any email address
Save to USB flash drives as PDF files or in PNG, TIFF or JPEG formats (at the Magazines &Newspapers Center) or as PDG, TIFF or JPG files (at MFDs)*.

NOTE: PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image files can be compressed without losing data. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) image files maintain all data with maximum color and depth; these files are very large in volume. PDF (Portable Document Format) files offer a nearly universal open standard, two-dimensional document exchange format that works best with text-only material. JPEG (acronym for creators Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the most common format for storing and transmitting photographic images, losing data in the compression process.
*USB drives will be recognized by the MFD as long as they do not contain software files and are formatted to FAT32. SFPL is not responsible for lost or damaged files.