Project introduction
This project's objective is to showcase a focused group of historically significant oral histories held at UCLA Library’s Center for Oral History Research (COHR). The topical focus for the project is Los Angeles-area social movement history, given the strength of COHR collections in this area. In its pilot phase, this project is designed to determine best practices for selecting, digitizing, indexing, and presenting oral histories online, as well as managing digital rights for oral histories. A larger goal is to facilitate future larger scale, ongoing, and sustainable digitization projects at the Center, and possibly elsewhere. After the pilot phase of this project, we plan to explore possibilities for collaborating with other Southern California oral history repositories to expand this virtual collection. In addition, this project will contribute greatly to ongoing efforts to strengthen the Center’s online presence.
What is the scope of the project?
- 10-15 oral histories, selected from COHR collections and digitized
- Audio (WAV) files and digital transcript (XML) files mounted in a web interface and hosted by the Digital Library Program
- Metadata and cataloging created in collaboration with the UCLA Library Cataloging and Metadata Center
- Website supplemented with relevant materials from the UCLA Library Department of Special Collections,
as well as brief historical essays
Why is this project important?
- It will make it easier for scholars to discover and access valuable oral history resources at UCLA.
- It will facilitate much-needed preservation of oral histories, especially of fragile audio cassette tapes.
- It will promote understanding of and appreciation for L.A.’s rich social movement history.
Who is involved?
Teresa Barnett, UCLA Library Center for Oral History Research
Marta Brunner, UCLA Charles E. Young Research Library (Project Manager)
Stephen Davison, UCLA Digital Library Program
Elizabeth McAulay, UCLA Digital Library Program
Holly Wang, UCLA Digital Library Program
