A NEW Geelong Regional Libraries initiative is aiming to help families keep their historical memories, photos and videos in great condition for generations to come.<\/p>\n
The Saving Family Stories program is offering free assistance and technology access, so people can scan, save, or edit old photos, negatives, slides, videos, and films.<\/p>\n
GRL board chair Ron Nelson said the organisation works to celebrate and share local history and customise service provision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the Saving Family Stories initiative, we deliver on both these commitments, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe introduction of this equipment to our library collection, supported by technical and practical assistance from the Geelong Regional Libraries team, will be a huge asset to the general community, as well as family history enthusiasts in our region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis initiative helps the development of digital literacy in our community by providing free access to technology and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geelong Family History Group secretary Susie Zada said the tech will be an asset to those exploring family history.<\/p>\n
\u201cSaving Family Stories is going to help all family historians and researchers understand the importance of digitising old media such as negatives, slides and videos,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople will realise how easily this can be achieved with the tutorial videos and hand-on help sessions.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost family historians cannot afford this sort of specialist equipment, so to have access to this equipment for free with a library membership is a real win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geelong Regional Libraries have been sponsored by Kings Funerals to buy 10 mobile film scanners.<\/p>\n
Introductory Saving Family Stories information sessions will be held at Belmont Library in August. A stationary scanner will also stay on site for use.<\/p>\n