My Clearwater
Memvelope
The Clearwater Public Library Heritage Studio
team recently was awarded the Special Districts
Technology Innovation award in the Citizens
Category by Government Technology magazine
for their innovative Memvelope service.
The Memvelope, or “memory envelope,” is a no-cost,
drop-off, digital conversion service. Pinellas County
residents can pick up a memvelope at any Clearwater
library, fill it with a variety of items, drop it off for staff
to digitize, and collect the completed digital files and
originals at a later date. Users provide storage media or
a link to an online storage destination. The digital files
can then be shared easily on social media or via email
with family and friends. A library card is not required.
A variety of formats can be digitized including VHS and
compact VHS-C, Hi-8, miniDV, and Betamax cassettes;
standard and micro-audio cassettes; ¼-inch reels, CDs,
and vinyl records; 16mm, Super 8, and 8mm reels;
and photographs, slides, negatives, transparencies,
documents, books, and maps.
As patron Johna Holloway remarked, “The Memvelope
program is a lifesaver to those like me with lots of
photos they want saved but don’t have the technical
knowledge or a computer.”
Heritage Studio staff launched the service during
the height of the pandemic, so patrons could have
08 MyClearwater
their precious memories conserved without spending
extended time in the library. Since the program began in
May 2020, staff have digitized nearly 10,000 items for
more than 125 people.
The memvelope packet includes a 12-inch by 15.5-inch
envelope and a temporary loan agreement, giving staff
permission to handle the patrons’ items. As long as the
memvelope closes, users can fill it with as many items as
they like.
Now that pandemic restrictions have been eased, people
who prefer to convert their items themselves may make
a reservation to use one of the Heritage Studio’s selfservice
digitization stations, located at the Main Library.
Staff are available to help those who want to learn how
to use the equipment.
The Special Districts Awards Program is designed to
recognize innovation and leadership within agencies
across the country. The Citizens Category recognizes
institutions that have used technology to improve service
delivery to residents. The Clearwater Heritage Studio
team received a trophy for its efforts. Staff were honored
online at the 2021 Special Districts Year-in-Review and
Recognition Summit, which showcases ideas, best
practices and leadership as organizations prepare their
infrastructure and operations for the future.