Memory Lab Support | California Revealed

The Memory Lab Network was created to help individuals and communities across the United States to preserve their personal histories and recorded memories for the future. By furnishing a free, do-it-yourself space for the digitization of photos, documents, and audiovisual recordings, Memory Labs offer a unique opportunity for organizations to connect with community members, save shared history, and drive home principles of preservation and access. Memory Lab components - equipment and resources – are designed to be modular and scalable, and can be set up variously as in-house and/or mobile programs.

A Memory Lab provides library staff and patrons with guidelines, tools, and training for personal analog and digital archiving. Additionally, California Revealed is available to advise organizations and their community members as they plan and build out their Memory Lab. If community members are willing to save and share a copy of their files with the host Memory Lab, their family's stories can be added to the California Revealed collection of digitized materials related to state history, thereby widening the impact of this community archiving initiative.

Grantees are encouraged to connect with other Memory Labs to build regional partnerships in California and contribute to the Memory Lab Network - exchanging information, troubleshooting, and reaching wider audiences. Check the map of California Memory Labs for a Memory Lab near you.

Application Information

Libraries inspired to create or support a Memory Lab can apply for a 2023/24 Inspiration Grant. Inspiration Grants provide Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for California libraries that are inspired to implement projects outside of the State Library’s other funding opportunities. To apply for an Inspiration Grant, please visit the application page.

The Memory Lab resource page, in addition to the training below, can help organizations plan and implement the project. Applicants should co-design the project with their community.

Information Session: Recording and Slides

Recorded October 20, 2023, this webinar provides an overview of the Memory Lab model and outlines the training and support that California Revealed provides Memory Labs during the course of the Inspiration Grant project period, and beyond.

Resources

So you want to build your own Memory Lab? - a deep dive into the Memory Lab Network training model

Sample Project Planning Form - brainstorm and discuss needs and goals for the Memory Lab

DCPL Memory Lab and LAPL Memory Lab - model programs that support both in-house and mobile Memory Labs

Baseline equipment list

Memory Lab Network’s wiring diagrams, set up, and workflow examples

Sample Inspiration Grant Award Budget Form

Training

In partnership with the Memory Lab Network, California Revealed provides support and training through the course of the grant, and beyond. Based on the Memory Lab Network training model, in-person training, monthly check-ins, and webinars provide grantees with practical knowledge in digitization, and help them support and plan their own digitization program.

The following webinar sessions are available:

Webinar 1: The Memory Lab Model(s): on-site/curbside/mobile