A processed collection has gone through several steps to become a cataloged record, thus available to the researching public. Those steps include a thorough vetting of copyright and restrictions, a verbatim transcription or thorough indexing of the interview including time-stamped calibration, the opportunity for the interviewee to review the transcription, the creation of a finding aid that includes important metadata about the collection, the preservation and optimization of audio files, the creation of user-copies, and cataloging. This process requires the efforts of several LSU Libraries staff members and it has been calculated that for every hour of recording, it takes 35-50 hours to fully process. For a detailed breakdown of the stages and fees associated with archiving oral histories, please see The Oral History Budget. All processed collections are found in the catalog record and many are available on the Louisiana Digital Library. An unprocessed collection is one that has not reached the final stage of completion and is not yet ready to be cataloged. Depending on the stage of processing, more or less of the interview will be available to patrons. See below for the availability of unprocessed collections. An unprocessed collection is not in the catalog record nor the Louisiana Digital Library. A processed collection has gone through several steps to become a cataloged record, thus available to the researching public. Those steps include a thorough vetting of copyright and restrictions, a verbatim transcription or thorough indexing of the interview including time-stamped calibration, the opportunity for the interviewee to review the transcription, the creation of a finding aid that includes important metadata about the collection, the preservation and optimization of audio files, the creation of user-copies, and cataloging. This process requires the efforts of several LSU Libraries staff members and it has been calculated that for every hour of recording, it takes 35-50 hours to fully process. For a detailed breakdown of the stages and fees associated with archiving oral histories, please see The Oral History Budget. All processed collections are found in the catalog record and many are available on the Louisiana Digital Library. An unprocessed collection is one that has not reached the final stage of completion and is not yet ready to be cataloged. Depending on the stage of processing, more or less of the interview will be available to patrons. See below for the availability of unprocessed collections. An unprocessed collection is not in the catalog record nor the Louisiana Digital Library. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Special collections refer to unique materials that provide both primary and secondary sources to people conducting original research. Our collections are special due to their scarcity or rarity, historical value, monetary value, or research value. Archives are collections of original records created throughout the lifespan of a person, family, organization, or business. These materials essentially provide evidence of the activities, events, functions, and/or responsibilities of the creator(s). Archives and special collections differ from libraries in the types of materials collected and the ways in which they are acquired, organized, described, and made publicly accessible. These differences prompt us to create specific policies and procedures to ensure that our collections can continue to be used for decades or even centuries to come. Special collections refer to unique materials that provide both primary and secondary sources to people conducting original research. Our collections are special due to their scarcity or rarity, historical value, monetary value, or research value. Archives are collections of original records created throughout the lifespan of a person, family, organization, or business. These materials essentially provide evidence of the activities, events, functions, and/or responsibilities of the creator(s). Archives and special collections differ from libraries in the types of materials collected and the ways in which they are acquired, organized, described, and made publicly accessible. These differences prompt us to create specific policies and procedures to ensure that our collections can continue to be used for decades or even centuries to come. Answered by: Kelly Larson

There are various types of restrictions to collections that will be listed in the catalog record. The most common restriction is the one triggered by incomplete paperwork and this restriction often limits the interview to on-site access-only and limited duplication. Other restrictions are set forth by the interviewer or the interviewee and are handled on a case-by-case basis. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

The short answer is yes. Most of our special collections are only available in their physical formats. However, we do have some digital collections online, which are made available through the Louisiana Digital Library. We do participate in interlibrary loan services for select materials (typically microfilm) and we offer a variety of duplication options. Find out more about the Louisiana Digital Library: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#louisianadigitallibrary (https://lib.lsu.edu/special/CC/digital) View our duplication policy: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#specialcollectionsduplication (https://www.lib.lsu.edu/special/services/duplication) View our operating hours and maps: https://lib.lsu.edu/hoursandmaps (https://lib.lsu.edu/about/hours/sc) Answered by: Kelly Larson

The Louisiana Digital Library has selected interviews available. Visit LSU Libraries Special Collections: since all cataloged interviews are housed in Special Collections at Hill Memorial Library, you may visit the Reading Room where staff will provide access to a dedicated, self-guided public computer where you can access cataloged digital files during office hours. You may request a copy of the interview. See above for instructions. A copy of the interview may be jointly housed in another repository, so be sure to double-check that information in the catalog record. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Yes, we allow researchers to make personal research copies of many of our materials using a photocopier, overhead scanner, or personal camera. A photocopier and book scanner are provided in the Reading Room. Manuscript materials may not be self-duplicated with the book scanner or the photocopier. We also do not permit portable scanners in the Reading Room. If you choose to take photographs, you will be provided with a Camera Use Policy form to complete and sign during your visit. We also offer duplication services in which a staff member can copy and send qualifying materials to you. Find out more about our LSU Special Collections duplication services: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#specialcollectionsduplication Answered by: Kelly Larson