8.3 Guidelines for the Deposit of Oral History Tapes and Transcripts in the Bentley Historical Library

Oral histories represent a valuable historical resource if they are conducted and documented properly. In order to enhance the research use of oral histories placed at the Bentley Historical Library, the following procedures should be followed:

  1. The Bentley Historical Library will not accept oral histories in the absence of a release form signed by the interviewee and a donor form signed by the interviewer.

    By signing the release form and donor form, the interviewee/interviewer:

    1. grant researchers physical access to the recordings and/or transcripts, or authorizes restrictions, if any, which limit access; and
    2. grant copyright for the recordings/transcripts to the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan or retains copyright. The Bentley Historical Library will furnish the interviewer with release forms.
  2. Oral histories should be deposited at the Bentley on audio or video cassette rather than on film or audio reel tapes. Digital formats will also be considered.
  3. The interviewer, interviewee, date, and place of interview should be identified both on the carrier/metadata and in the recording itself.
  4. An index of topics covered and/or a complete transcription of the interview should be included.
  5. Interviewers should test the recording at the beginning of the interview session to assure the audio and/or visual quality of the recording.

UARP Records Policy and Procedures Manual - January 1993, 1st ed.,
September 2002, 2nd ed.