Hello, I am looking for some expertise related to the use of oral history tapes and transcriptions in our library. A number of oral histories were recorded in the 1970s by the library. The cassettes contain interviews with local African American community members who had knowledge of and/or family history tied to our county's active Underground Railroad. Formal consent was not obtained during the making of these tapes. In the time since the tapes were made, a published index of participant names was made available to researchers. While I am not certain, I do believe researchers have been given access to these tapes as well. There is a renewed interest in this collection and the library has received requests for access to the tapes. It is my understanding that without signed consent forms, the library does not have copyright to these historical records. I would appreciate the opportunity to better understand what, if any, options we may have for making these invaluable resources available. Thank you! -- Barbara Gordon, MLS Director 319 M-62 Cassopolis, MI 49031 269-357-7822 ext. 101