Test out our new Bento Search

The Williams Center accepts audio and video recordings into our collection if they meet the following criteria. Each sound record must be:
- a recording of an oral history interview, preferably between two people
- in playable condition and of a recording quality sufficiently clear for transcription
- in a media format compatible with current center practice, which is in digital .wav format for audio (see *below regarding video)
- on a topic that contributes to the existing collection of the center
- accompanied by a legal release signed by the interviewee
- accompanied by a legal release signed by the interviewer, signing over all rights, title, and interest to Louisiana State University
- begun with a recorded introduction including the name of interviewee, name of interviewer, date, and location of interview
- conducted in accordance with the Oral History Association's "Principles and Best Practices for Oral History."
- how well the interviews are documented and the level and quality of their accompanying descriptions
- the inclusion of a transcription or thorough index, or funds dedicated to a transcription or thorough indexing. For more information on submitting projects for evaluation and to get the conversation started, please contact us at jabrah1@lsu.edu. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Can I request materials of interest before I arrive? There are several ways to find special collection materials electronically: the librarys online catalog, research guides, subject guides, and the Louisiana Digital Library. In the Special Collections Reading Room, there are also physical indexes and additional search tools. Answered by: Gabriella Lindsay

Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Yes, you have the option to place requests to view materials in our reading room after you have set up an online account. First, create a Special Collections Request System account (https://specialcollections.lib.lsu.edu/logon) . We highly suggest that you make a request in advance because some materials must be retrieved from an off-site storage facility (requiring 48 business hours of advanced notice) and in-house materials can only be retrieved by staff from our closed stacks. Visit the librarys public catalog. (https://lsu.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/lsu) TIP: In the first drop down box that defaults to Everything, simply select Special Collections and then conduct your search. Click on the Request Item link in the catalog record to place your request. Yes, you have the option to place requests to view materials in our reading room after you have set up an online account. First, create a Special Collections Request System account (https://specialcollections.lib.lsu.edu/logon) . We highly suggest that you make a request in advance because some materials must be retrieved from an off-site storage facility (requiring 48 business hours of advanced notice) and in-house materials can only be retrieved by staff from our closed stacks. Visit the librarys public catalog. (https://lsu.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/lsu) TIP: In the first drop down box that defaults to Everything, simply select Special Collections and then conduct your search. Click on the Request Item link in the catalog record to place your request. Answered by: Kelly Larson

It depends! This is a curator-level decision and will vary for each case. All requests for access to unprocessed collections require the Williams Center director's authorization. Any duplications of unprocessed interviews are not allowed beyond "Fair Use" unless this restriction is cleared by the director upon staff review of the item. Please note that the review process may take at least 1-2 business days, depending on the size of the collection. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Special Collections staff will happily assist both in-person and remote researchers in locating materials for your research or pointing you in the right direction, but we are typically not able to conduct research for you. If you are a remote patron and your request is labor-intensive, we may refer you to a local researcher or genealogist for hire. Answered by: Kelly Larson

You'll want to check to see if the interview is in the Louisiana Digital Library. If it is not on the LDL, and is cataloged and available, then please follow the procedures outlined via LSU Libraries Special Collections Public Services. Be sure to have the collection number, tape number, and the name of the interviewee handy to fill out the form. Please note-these copy requests are not processed by Williams Center personnel but through Public Services, as indicated in the above procedures. The interview will be sent to you as PDF or a MP3. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

A pencil, paper for notetaking, and personal devices (e.g. laptop, tablet, cellphone, camera) are allowed in the Reading Room. Food, drinks, pens, and portable scanners are not allowed. All personal items such as bags (including laptop and camera cases), briefcases, purses, coats, and umbrellas must be left in one of the secure lockers that are provided free of charge in the lobby. Be aware that anything brought into the Reading Room is subject to search before you leave. Review our Reading Room Policies:https://lib.lsu.edu/special#specialcollectionpolicies Answered by: Kelly Larson

The short answer--be consistent and make sure to include the name of the interviewee, the date of the interview, the collection number, the tape number, and the name of the repository, which is the Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here are samples and your citation may depend on various style guides.
- [Last Name, First Name], interview by [interviewer first name and last name], audio recording, [date], [4700.####]. Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- [First name last name] Oral History Interview, MSS 4700.####, Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

An appointment is not required. Please feel free to walk in during our open hours: https://lib.lsu.edu/hoursandmaps (https://lib.lsu.edu/hoursandmaps) . However, keep in mind that materials may not be readily available on the day that you come to do your research because some materials must be retrieved from an off-site storage facility, requiring at least 48 business hours of advanced notice. Off-site materials are notated with a location of Remote Storage in the catalog record. See also, Can I request materials of interest before I arrive? Answered by: Kelly Larson

Yes, we treat donation box requests on a case-by-case basis. LSU students, staff, and faculty can place donation boxes in the Main Library to collect donations of books, canned goods, and other materials for a charitable cause. To make this request, please fill out the following form (https://lsu.libwizard.com/f/PPF) . Please use this form to request an event, organize an information table, or set up a display in the Library as well as similar requests. I am a student at LSU and am part of a club that wishes to collect donations to give to various charities. Is this possible and if so, whom should I contact to arrange for this sort of thing? Answered by: Randa Lopez Morgan