The Ball State University Libraries are pleased to present a conference on digitizing oral histories. As archives, libraries, and other cultural institutions move forward in the digital age, they are confronted with the need, opportunity, and challenge of transferring the documentation of the past to new formats for preservation and global access. The purpose of this conference is to engage in discussion and exploration of issues involved in the digitization of an important element of preserving history: the voices of the past as recorded in oral histories.

Key issues to be discussed will include:

• Planning and funding
• Copyright issues
• Audio digitization, equipment, and standards
• Transcription
• Metadata
• Demonstrations of current projects

Using CONTENTdm for making digital oral histories available will be a focus of the conference, but other systems will be discussed as well. Examples of current projects will be demonstrated by participants. The luncheon/keynote address will provide an overview of an oral history project that is now being made available for access on the Internet. For details and more information on discussion topics & speakers please see the Conference Schedule page.

Archivists, librarians, and other information professionals are invited to attend this one-day conference at the Ball State University Alumni Center (attendees may park for free in the lot north of the Alumni Center). And don't forget: lunch is included in the registration fee.

For information about lodging, consult the Muncie Visitor's Bureau webpage and our own list of selected hotels (PDF).

Questions? Need additional information?
Please contact:

John B. Straw
Director for Archives & Special Collections
University Libraries
765-285-5078