Memory Capture with a Portable, Digital Camera Scanning Setup
Based on feedback from library directors around the state regarding community demand for the capture of historic artifacts, I asked, “How might we support the goal of community members documenting personal and local artifacts? What are their objectives? What training and equipment might we, as the state agency supporting libraries, provide?”
During listening tours and conversations with library directors, I heard the theme of memory retention. Community members approached their local public library for support in remembering stories and knowledge through objects such as letters, photographs, crafted items, and other three-dimensional physical representations of their histories. They desired a way to capture digital surrogates of the items.
In consultation with library directors and fellow staff at the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and after I solicited and received a modest budget, we co-created a set of desired objectives. With these intended outcomes, monies, and time, I researched options and created a plan. I then acquired a digital camera, computer, stand, lights, and a robust traveling case for the equipment. Partnering with a colleague, we developed a job aid detailing how to arrange and light objects on the stand for digital capture by the camera and computer.
As the equipment and training options came online in 2020, the pandemic restricted in-person training opportunities. Simultaneously, I was transitioning to another state of residence. We developed a protocol for libraries to check out the equipment for a period of time and a method for delivering the equipment, setting up these communities for successfully meeting their desired objectives.
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