Depending on the interview, the Oral History Archives at Columbia may hold audio, video, a transcript, or any combination of those formats. The CLIO catalog record for each interview indicates the types of materials associated with the interview (e.g., “transcript,” “leaves/pages,” “cassette,” “.wav files,” etc.).

Search for Oral History interviews in CLIO

Start by checking the CLIO record to see what formats exist, then use the appropriate access path—online transcript, digital file request, or reading room listening—to work with the material.

• Transcripts:
  In most cases, the quickest way to review an interview is via its typed transcription. Many transcripts are already digitized and freely accessible through the Digital Library Collections. For paper‑format transcripts, you have two options: schedule an appointment in the Rare Book & Manuscript Library Reading Room and examine the transcript on site or, if the transcript is fewer than 650 pages, you can request a scanned digital version for personal research use using the Oral History Transcript Order Form.
• Audio/Video not online:
  If the recording has not been transferred from analog (e.g. reel, cassette, mini-Disc) to digital media, you can begin your request for digital reformatting of the original media by emailing the oral history reference desk. 
• Digital audio (already transferred or "born‑digital"):
  To listen to these files in the reading room, you’ll need a Special Researcher Account. Alternatively, you can order the digital files for electronic delivery by emailing the oral history reference desk.