Oral History Digitization & Reproductions
Reproduction of Transcripts
Our ability to reproduce transcripts depends on the individual interview’s contracts and copyright restrictions.
Many reformatted-to-digital interviews are already available in the Columbia University Libraries Digital Library Collection.
We do not reproduce entire collections for remote use.
Limits: Up to three transcript requests per researcher, per month for files under 650 pages.
Turnaround: Requests are placed in a queue and processed in order. Most are delivered within 6–8 weeks after entering the queue.
Delivery: Transcripts under 25MB are sent via Gmail as a PDF attachment; larger files are transferred via a third-party file delivery service.
On‑site access: Transcripts over 650 pages cannot be scanned and delivered for remote use. They must be viewed in the Rare Book & Manuscript Library reading rooms. When visiting the RBML reading rooms, researchers can order up to five items per visit. Each interview must be added to your Special Researcher Account. Please see the Plan Your Visit page, as well as the OHAC guide to adding materials to your account for assistance.
Processing schedule: Scanning orders are submitted at the end of each month; we offer neither expedited or rush services. Please plan your research needs accordingly.
- Complete the Oral History Transcript Order Form.
- For eligible transcripts, an OHAC staff member will confirm receipt and outline next steps.
Audio/Video Reproductions
Turnaround: For materials already in digital format, they are typically delivered within two weeks. For materials requiring conversion, digitization is completed through an outside vendor and may take up to 8 weeks to complete.
Processing schedule: We do not have "rush" or "urgent" status nor do we put patrons in contact with our external vendor. Please plan accordingly.
When digital conversion is complete, the Preservation and Digital Conversion Division will contact you. Files are .mp3 format by default and are shared via electronic delivery.
Analog media cannot be accessed until it has been digitized for preservation.
If you are interested in ordering audio or video of an interview (for up to three transcripts), please complete and sign both forms:
- Conditions of Service & Copyright Agreement
- Audio/Video Reformatting Form: Word | PDF (includes fee schedule information)
Email your completed forms to oralhist@library.columbia.edu.
A staff member will contact you with a quote for digital conversion based on whether the material is already in digital format, number of media items (e.g. two cassettes, one reel), or number of digital files and further instructions for payment.