DC Public Library announces a subgrant application opportunity for public libraries to join the Memory Lab Network project.

(DCPL), in partnership with the Public Library Association (PLA), is distributing the Memory Lab model to seven public libraries across the nation with funding from an Institute for Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant. The DC Public Library Memory Lab is a digitization lab and digital preservation resources created as a local response to the national needs for free public access to tools and information on caring for personal digital archives. Through an application process, seven public libraries will be identified as Memory Lab Network partners and will spend one year creating personal archiving stations and programs for their communities following the DCPL model with training, mentoring, and financial support from DCPL.

Libraries selected as network partners will receive (1) preservation training and mentoring from qualified DCPL staff and other digital preservation experts, (2) travel funding for a five-day in-depth digital preservation boot camp in Washington D.C., (3) funding for digitization equipment and programs, and (5) technical and educational support during the year in which they build a Memory Lab program.

Memory Lab Network partners will build public knowledge and skills around the complex and paralyzing problems of personal digital archiving in their communities. They will also contribute to an emerging support network of public libraries with personal archiving and preservation programs. The project will result in reusable documentation and training materials for future implementations of the Memory Lab model.

Project info, application instructions and application link at dclibrary.org/memorylabnetwork.

Follow on twitter at @MemLabNet for project updates.

Contact Project Manager Lorena Ramirez-Lopez with any questions: lorena.ramirez-lopez@dc.gov