Memory Lab Policy

(Adopted by the Library Board July 15, 2024)

The Memory Lab, located in the Emerson History and Genealogy Center, is a do-it-yourself digitization space where you can convert your memories into digital format. Using professional-grade equipment, Library users can digitize multiple formats, including slides, negatives, photographic prints, documents and VHS tapes. Library users may also record and edit their family history in the form of audio recordings. 

Use of the Memory Lab is subject to the Library’s Computer Use Policy and Code of Conduct, Memory Lab Guidelines, and any other applicable Library policies and procedures.

Users are prohibited from using equipment to:

• Transfer Copyrighted Materials. By law, individuals cannot transfer copyrighted material unless: 1) Memory Lab user obtained permission from the copyright holder, or 2) the transfer is for fair use purposes. Responsibility for possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user and the Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting there from.
   
• Transfer Obscene Materials, or content that is otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.

Equipment and computers in the Memory Lab are to be used for personal endeavors related to digital preservation only. All material brought into the Memory Lab must be inspected by Library staff before it can be placed in any of the equipment. Library staff will look for several key issues, and depending on the issue, the material may be ineligible for digitization. Patrons must save their files on an external storage device. Project materials cannot be stored on Library property.

The Library reserves the right to refuse conversion services based on prohibited material, degradation of material to be converted, and when usage could cause damage to equipment. Users may reserve use of studio spaces in the Memory Lab by appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations may be canceled for users who are late and the station will be made available to other users.

The Memory Lab is a do-it-yourself station. Instructional materials for the equipment will be provided and Library staff will be available to provide limited assistance. Users of the Memory Lab must remain present for the entire conversion process. 

Patrons use the Memory Lab at their own discretion and assume all risks and any others which arise because of their use of the Memory Lab. The Library is not responsible for any injuries caused during the use of equipment, damage to personal property, or loss of data that may arise from foreseeable or unforeseeable causes including, without limitation, those caused by objects or materials, manufacturing defects, issues with quality of workmanship, flaws or failures in materials associated with the use of tools or equipment.   

The Library may place limitations on the time and manner of Memory Lab use in order to allocate access as equitably as possible.