2018 MLA Annual Conference

This is a joint presentation on the following topics.

Having audio/video trapped in extinct formats (VHS, Betamax, 8mm film, reel-to-reel tape, etc,.) is almost the same as not having it at all. Rochester Public Library purchased some old and new equipment that allows patrons to digitize their video, film, audio and images in a self-serve Digital Conversion Lab so that future generations (and the current one) can enjoy them today. See what it takes to set up a conversion lab and hear about the challenges we faced at each stage of the process.

New Ulm Public Library (NUPL) was one of seven public library partners nationwide selected to receive training, mentoring and financial support to create digitization stations and educational public programs for personal digital archiving. This Memory Lab Network, sponsored by the Washington, D.C., Public Library in partnership with the Public Library Association and the Library of Congress, is a grant project that continues through April 2019. The presenters will discuss how NUPL is implementing the project, including purchasing equipment, establishing standards and documenting best practices to create a do-it-yourself workstation where the public can convert analog tapes as well as photographs, slides and negatives to digital format. In addition, they will discuss their development of public programs that focus on organizing personal documents and born digital content. The goal is to generate excitement and empower library professionals to connect with community members and organizations around personal digital archiving.