Ball State University
Libraries, along with a few area partners, are hosting a community scan day—an
opportunity for community members to have their family photographs and
documents digitized, at no charge, in an effort to preserve local history.
The event, “Preserving
Local History: Community Scan Day,” will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 14 in
the cantina at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 1200 North Minnetrista Parkway,
in Muncie. In addition to having photographs and documents digitized and added
to local digital archives, community members will be given a digital copy of
their items on a flash drive or CD, or through a digital download.
“A
community’s history is enriched through photographs
and documents often tucked away in private homes in basements,
closets, and attics,” said Matthew
Shaw, dean of University Libraries at Ball State. “These
items are inaccessible to researchers and their survival as digital scans will
ensure preservation of the stories, memories, and experiences unique to the
residents and families of Muncie and surrounding communities.”
Only paper documents and
photographs no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches, plus photo negatives and
slides, will be digitized during community scan day. If items brought to the
May 14 event cannot be scanned at that time for any reason, participants will
receive information on how to schedule a follow-up appointment for one-on-one
assistance or other recommendations.
Community scan day
participants are encouraged to pre-register as a way to save time.
Members of the public who
have questions about this event may contact Jim
Bradley, head of Metadata and
Digital Initiatives at University Libraries, by email or phone: 765-285-5718; or contact Sarah
Allison, head of Archives User
Engagement at University Libraries, by email or phone: 765-285-3301.
Partnering with Ball State’s University Libraries on
“Preserving Local History: Community Scan Day” are the Delaware County
Historical Society, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, and Muncie Public Library.