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With Voices True: Oral History Toolkit

Interviews

Students whose interviews have been selected will need to transfer the audio and video files they've created.

The edited version of the interview, or the Final Production Copy will be accepted.

For each video or audio file, two copies will need to be provided: an access copy and a preservation copy.

Access Copy

The access copy of an audio or video file is a lower-quality, smaller version created for patron use. The access copy will be available for viewing, streaming, and downloading by the general public.

Preservation Copy

The preservation copy of an audio or video file is a high-quality version created to be stored with infrequent retrieval. The purpose of this copy is to protect the contents of the file and prevent file corruption, decay, or destruction.

Preferred Formats

The University Archives has established preferred formats for each file type. These formats were chosen because they prevent loss of quality and ensure interoperability. It is crucial that files can be retrieved and accessed across platforms, systems, and software over time.

Video Formats
MP4 files Access
Apple ProRes 4.2.2 MOV files Preservation
Audio Formats
16 bit 44.1 khz WAV files Access
24 bit 48 khz WAV files Preservation

Video Formats

Adobe Premiere Pro is available on Library computers.

How to create an Access Copy

In Adobe Premiere Pro, select File → Export → Media.

In the Format drop-down menu, select H.264.

In the Preset drop-down menu, select Match Source - High bitrate.

Click on the blue text to change the file name.

Use the following naming convention:

CRC_InterviewerLastName_YYYYMMDD_A.mp4

Select Export to save the file.

How to create a Preservation Copy

In Adobe Premiere Pro, select File → Export → Media.

In the Format drop-down menu, select Quicktime.

Scroll down to the Video tab. In the Video Codec drop-down menu, select Apple ProRes 422.

Under Basic Video Settings, select Match Source.

In the Audio tab, use the following settings:

Sample Rate 48000 hz

Sample Size 16 bit

Click on the blue text to change the file name.

Use the following naming convention:

CRC_InterviewerLastName_YYYYMMDD_P.mov

Select Export to save the file.

Audio Formats

Audacity is available on Library computers and can be downloaded at audacityteam.org.

How to create an Access Copy

In Audacity, select File → Export → Export as WAV.

Use the following naming convention:

CRC_InterviewerLastName_YYYYMMDD_A.wav

Select WAV (Mircosoft) signed 16-bit PCM. Select Save.

How to create Preservation Copy

In Audacity, select File → Export → Export as WAV.

Use the following naming convention:

CRC_InterviewerLastName_YYYYMMDD_P.wav

Select WAV (Mircosoft) signed 24-bit PCM. Select Save.