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SLV LAB is State Library Victoria's prototyping and innovation lab. We experiment with technology to open access to collections, data and spaces.

Get to know SLV LAB

What we do

We imagine and build advanced technologies that share the Library’s data, spaces, and collections with all Victorians.

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How we work

We run collaborative experiments with technologists, creators and library staff, sharing tools and processes for all to use.

Explore our work

See how our projects are transforming library access and collections.

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Signpost - Kyneton-Heathcote Road, Redesdale, from Mcniffs Road to Lyell Road - west side. (1970)
Connecting people to places using library data – Tim SherrattDilan Gunawardana18.02.26Maps, directories, photographs and newspapers hold rich stories, but only if people can find them. Tim Sherratt's SLV LAB residency set out to change how that discovery works.
A damaged black and white photograph of a horse where the head has been misshapen by photographic decay
A floating archive of cultural amnesia: In Memory | Of Being by Yoyo MunkDilan Gunawardana18.11.25
A 3D tube-like helmet floating against a black background of digital space, made up of many small white plus signs suspended in space. The helmet shape has bolts coming out of the sides, and a rectangular slit for the eyes.
Scanning Ned Kelly: a deeper look at an Australian iconKate Barlock30.05.25How can technology breathe new life into historical artefacts? At State Library Victoria, a team is using advanced 3D scanning to transform Ned Kelly's armour into an immersive digital experience, revealing hidden details of this iconic piece of Australian history.
Person holding an archival box, looking at a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra program in front of a shelf full of archival boxes.
How AI is making theatre history accessibleKate Barlock03.11.25How can technology unlock forgotten cultural treasures? SLV LAB has built a prototype that uses OCR and machine learning to transform hidden theatrical artefacts into searchable digital records, bringing Victoria's rich performance history into the light.
Black-and-white photograph of three boys and a woman. Each are facing the camera and are dressed in formal clothing.
From archives to new tabs: surfacing SLV's image collectionKate Barlock24.07.25State Library Victoria's ManIIIFestor browser extension is a creative solution that transforms the mundane act of opening a new browser tab into a journey of historical discovery, all while expanding access to the Library's copyright-free image collection.
A group of people sitting around a desk in a meeting room, each using a laptop. There is a large screen at the front of the meeting room.
Introduction to Code Club Kate Barlock01.05.25Peek into SLV's Code Club, a grassroots initiative providing collaborative space for staff to learn about and engage with technology. Along the way, the club is increasing digital literacy, demystifying technology, and fostering cross-departmental connection with its inclusive, accessible approach.

Dive into our open-access resources and technical guides

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SLV LAB is sharing the datasets, codebases, models, and documentation behind all of our projects for community use and collaboration, along with easy to follow tutorials on emerging technologies.

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Join us for talks, exhibitions and other community events

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