The Memory Lab Network
DC Public Library, District of Columbia
Innovation Synopsis
DC Public Library is leading a national effort to empower people to create their own personal media digital collections. Supported by IMLS, our Memory Lab Network is creating curriculum, training programs and providing financial support to public libraries across the country to teach the complex work of personal digital archiving.
Challenge/Opportunity
Communities risk massive loss of vernacular history and culture, unless people are equipped to sustain their digital memories. Our program gives the public the tools needed to document and preserve their own histories, as many lack the expertise or finances to get started. Our Memory Lab Network is distributing this critical knowledge across the country to meet public demand for access to digitization equipment, while providing education on personal digital archiving techniques and concepts.
Key Elements of Innovation
Through an application process, libraries were selected based on their interest and commitment, diversity of geographic location, library system size and population served. Seven selected libraries sent two ambassadors to Washington, D.C. to attend a five-day bootcamp in April 2018 to prepare them for building their own Memory Labs. Each institution is now in the beginning stages of building their own Memory Lab that will launch by 2019.
Achieved Outcomes
The Memory Lab Network contributes to a library’s capacity as a technology access and education hub, by empowering citizens to migrate and manage their digital archives. Evaluation of this varied group of participants will allow us to study the Memory Lab model across different library systems and determine how to adapt to differing community needs. The cohort and DCPL team will act as a support network and to share questions, challenges and best practices.
