Make mp3 files from RealMedia rm/ra audio files:

open the VLC player
select "convert/save" under the media tab
add the RealMedia rm file to convert
select the convert/save box
select a profile - use the mp3 audio profile
assign a destination and name (see NEW destination example below)
select the save box
conversion time will vary based on file size


Example:
For Michigan Writers Series old Helix RM files:
Old metafile (ram file) location: http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/vincent/writers/spring07/media/022307q.ram
Original audio file path of metafile: rtsp://streaming.msu.edu/lib/writers/022307/022307q.rm
Current ACTUAL old audio file storage location: http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/HELIX/lib/writers/022307/022307q.rm
(removed from streaming.msu.edu)

NEW metafile with m3u file extension located at:  
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/vincent/writers/spring07/media/022307q.m3u (see separate m3u file instructions)
NEW mp3 audio file location (adds new mp3 folder to above): 
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/vincent/writers/spring07/media/mp3/022307q.mp3
Information is entered into the new m3u text file as: 
#EXTM3U
 #EXTINF:0, Michigan Writers Series
mp3/022307q.mp3

Alternate mp3 file location for most interviews:
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/dbnumbers/DB15250.mp3
entered into m3u file as:
#EXTM3U
 #EXTINF:0, - Michigan Writers Series
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/dbnumbers/DB15250.mp3

Conclusion:
New mp3 files made from rm files should be stored in: 
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/vincent/writers/(semester)/media/mp3/(file name).mp3
New m3u files should be stored where original ram files are located: 
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/vincent/writers/(semester)/media/(file name).m3u

Some m3u files may instead point to db number location at:
 http://archive.lib.msu.edu/VVL/dbnumbers/(DB file name).mp3