Edgewood Oral History Room

We all have a story to tell, and Richland Library Edgewood wants to help you preserve the stories that matter most to you today.

Welcome to the Oral History Room at Richland Library Edgewood. Library cardholders can complete an orientation to work independently or request a facilitated session with our staff.

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Equipment:

Computers and Software:
• Two iMac computers
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, etc.)

Photo/Video:
• A softbox lighting kit for video or still photography
• Sony a6000 digital cameras for video recording or still photography
• Two mobile stabilizing gimbles for smartphones
• iPads for video recording or still photography

Audio:
• A USB audio mixer for audio recording
• Two Heil PR-40 Dynamic Microphones with mic booms and shock mounts
• Tascam DR-100MKIII and DR-05X Digital Audio Recorders
• A Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB audio interface for audio recording

Customers should bring their own large-capacity (16 GB or more) drive to save work on, as all the files you create using the Edgewood Oral History iMacs will be erased after logging out of your session.
 

Rules & Procedures:

  • The Edgewood Oral History Room is open to Richland Library cardholders 18 years and older.  Cardholders ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Customers are expected to comply with Richland Library’s Code of Conduct and Meeting Room Policy.
  • Customers must have documented orientation training to use specific equipment.
  • Guests are allowed in the Edgewood Oral History Room, but they must sign in and cannot use the equipment if they have not completed an orientation.
  • Occupancy is limited to 4 people.
  • If something breaks, or is found broken, please immediately report it to a staff member.
  • No tape or adhesive of any kind may be used on the walls, windows or furniture. No furniture may be moved inside or outside of the room by a customer.
  • The windows cannot be covered. Please do not move around any items for the purpose of covering the windows.
  • A light must remain on in the Edgewood Oral History Room during your session.
  • Please keep the door closed. If you need to step out momentarily, please close the door and ask a staff member for re-entry.
  • The Edgewood Oral History Room cannot be used to record or produce music.
  • If you are working with clients or doing commissioned work, we ask that you do not receive payment while on library property.
  • Please bring your own large-capacity (16 GB or more) drive to save your work on.

**Please remember that the Oral History Room is a shared community space. Be courteous to your peers by keeping the space clean and honoring your reservation time slot.

Staff-Conducted Customer Oral Histories:

•   Customers may sign up to have their oral histories facilitated and recorded by staff in the Edgewood Oral History Room.
•   Staff facilitation and interview length are determined by availability.
•   Customers must sign a release form prior to the recording of their oral histories.

See examples, here

Orientation:

  • All Richland Library cardholders interested in using the Edgewood Oral History Room will need to attend an orientation.  
  • Children 17 and under can sign up for orientation alongside a parent or guardian.
  • The Edgewood Oral History Room Orientations run for one hour.
  • Customers will be guided through the process of recording an oral history and how to export and save their files.
  • Customers will be given an overview of the policies and procedures for the Edgewood Oral History Room.

To schedule an orientation:

•   call 803-509-8355
•   e-mail eworalhistory@richlandlibrary.com 
•   talk with a member of Edgewood's staff

Please note, wait times for orientations vary from one to two weeks depending on availability.

Reservations:

The Edgewood Oral History Room is available to reserve for those who have gone through an orientation, unless there is a program, orientation, or one-on-one appointment in progress. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are the best way to guarantee the space is available at your desired time and date.

To inquire about availability or reserve the room, please call 803-509-8355.