Webcam Memories: Capturing community stories via a portable vocal booth
VALA2022 Lightning Talk
Sindy Dowden
- Community History Librarian
- The Grove Library, Perth
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Abstract
Webcam Memories is an outreach program designed to encourage easy capture of community memory.
How often have you heard, “I wish I had got my grandmother to write those wonderful stories down”, or “I wish I knew what my father thought about that”. However, we usually never take the time to actually put those thoughts into action until it is too late.
Webcam Memories fills the gap. Through carefully structured questions and ease of use it removes the barriers which may be preventing this vital activity to be actuated.
The program has two modes of delivery.
Firstly, in conjunction with the MY STORY workbook participants are guided through the whole of life interview process, from earliest memories to messages for younger and future generations without the need to contract a third party to conduct expensive interviews. Family members are encouraged to attend and use the workbook to uncover the story together through a relaxed conversation.
Secondly, it enables easy capture of stories told by transient visitors to the history library and those with short memories related to specific aspects of the community. Memories are prompted with the use of an image gallery.
The portability and simplicity of the set up enables the booth to be relocated to any venue therefore removing physical and geographic barriers to participation.
This short presentation will explain the origins, equipment, methodology and uses of this enormously valuable addition to our suite of cultural heritage harvesting tools.
Biography
Sindy Dowden is the Community History Librarian for The Grove Library in WA. She has worked there for the past ten years. During that time Sindy has completed numerous digital interpretations and projects including developing one of the first digital heritage trails created by a local government history centre. The Grove Library was recognised in 2014 for its innovative projects and initiatives when the Library was awarded the WA Library Board Award for Excellence. Since that time Sindy has continued to develop the digital collection and to push forward with improving digitisation and online accessibility. Sindy is passionate about integrating emerging technology with historical media to find new ways to connect with the community. Sindy has presented at both National and State conferences in addition to delivering instructional workshops relating to Community History, Digital Interpretation, Genealogy and Digital Heritage Trails. She has written articles for newspapers and journals, including ALIA Incite Journal.
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