This year’s shortlisted finalists

What is a Memory Lab?  
The Memory Lab was an idea proposed in the Westminster Innovation Challenge launched in 2021 seeking ideas from residents, students, and Council officers on how we could build a smarter Westminster. Inspired by the Memory Lab Network in the United States, the Memory Lab’s main purpose is to provide a personal archiving program with the transfer of their memories to a more accessible and current digital format.  

How do I access the Memory Lab?  
The Memory Lab will be based in Church Street Library.  You do not need to book to use the Memory Lab as it is a drop-in service on a first-come-first served basis. 

Why is the Memory Lab only open for a limited time?  
The Memory Lab is a pilot service delivered by Smart City and the Libraries and Archives service following ideas submitted as part of the Westminster Innovation Challenge. The pilot is being initiated as a trial to test user satisfaction, user uptake and our processes.  

What can I convert? 

• Photograph negatives or positives in the following format: 
  • 35mm Film, 35mm Slides (2x2inch mount)
  • Medium Format (120/220), 5×4 Inch film; 
• Professional photographer negatives 
• Projector slides 
• Up to A3 size picture 

What do I need to bring?  
Bring along the images you would like to convert into a digital format. A USB device will be provided as part of the pilot service to store your converted memories for future personal use. 

Users will be given the opportunity to contribute their memory material with Westminster Libraries and Archives service to be included in formal collections to showcase our modern social history. Should the user wish to contribute their memory material up to date contact details will be required to complete a deposit form giving consent to use their memory material.   

What if I need assistance?  
The free service located in a dedicated space within Church Street Library which will provide high quality transfer and scanning equipment for the Westminster community to use in transferring their personal collections to more accessible digital formats with the support of a digital volunteer.  

Whilst using the Memory Lab, volunteers will also be able to triage users to access additional support they may require improving their skills and confidence with digital technology, as part of our Digital Inclusion program offering.