The Digital Collections Center has the equipment to convert the content of VHS tapes into digital format, and adhere to the following guidelines for conversion:

If the VHS is part of the Library’s Collection:

• If the material is currently available in streaming video or on DVD, the Library will purchase the digital format to replace the VHS.
• If the material is NOT currently available in streaming video or on DVD, the Digital Collections Center can only legally convert it to digital format if the Library has written consent from the copyright holder.

If the VHS is not part of the Library’s Collection (i.e. owned by faculty, staff, or a University Department):

• If the material is currently available in streaming video or on DVD, the Library will purchase the digital format and add it to the Library’s collection upon request.
• If the material is NOT currently available in streaming video or on DVD, the Digital Collections Center will only convert it to digital format if:
  • The Library has written consent from the copyright holder AND
  • The digital format will be added to an approved digital collection and/or used to support instruction at Furman University.

Note: Physical copies of VHS that are produced and/or related to Furman University may be retained in Special Collections and Archives for preservation purposes.

Copyright protection exists in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. The two key phrases here are "original works" and "fixed". The creativity level required for originality is very low - a "spark" - but is required, no matter how much effort was required to create the work.

Works of authorship include the following categories:

1. literary works;
2. musical works, including any accompanying words;
3. dramatic works, including any accompanying music;
4. pantomimes and choreographic works;
5. pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works;
6. motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
7. sound recordings; and
8. architectural works.

17 U.S.C. § 102