From the PLPP to community scanning and digital storytelling

2015 was a busy and fun year for me as I worked with lots of great people on the MDL/DPLA Public Library Partnership Project (PLPP). We digitized and described a wide variety of materials from twelve different organizations around Minnesota; we experimented with photographing three-dimensional objects and even added some “spinning videos” to Minnesota Reflections; we contributed to self-guided curriculum on digitization projects; and we created two online exhibitions housed on the DPLA site. With the end of the PLPP grant my responsibilities have shifted, but my efforts in 2016 will build directly on many of those 2015 activities.

We are developing a community scanning service we are calling Scan for Keeps. Our first event was a collaboration between the Anoka County Historical Society and Anoka County Library in which community members were invited to bring historic items related to the history of Blaine to be scanned.  The Library provided space, publicity and logistical support; the Historical Society provided publicity, assistance with evaluating materials, and someone to provide a lecture on local history; and MDL provided scanning equipment and staff to scan and gather metadata about the items. Contributors left with a high-resolution .tif image, and the Historical Society got copies as well. We have heard a lot of interest from many different organizations in possibly hosting similar events, so look for more information about Scan for Keeps as we get the service rolling.

In addition, I will be investigating tools and options to help institutions do more with their digitized materials through online exhibitions, digital storytelling and other approaches. Desired outcomes include greater community engagement, collaborative approaches to storytelling, and skill-building for our partner organizations. I look forward to these learning opportunities and to sharing my explorations with the MDL and Minitex communities!