Recording Studio & Oral History

The CALS Roberts Library has a recording studio on our third floor available for patron use by appointment. Below we have provided resources to assist community members in recording oral history interviews with their loved ones. We welcome the public to use our recording studio for oral histories, podcasting, and more.

USING OUR

Recording Studio

To schedule an appointment at the CALS Roberts Library Recording Studio, please provide two weeks’ notice prior to the date needed. Training on our equipment is available by appointment.

Available equipment

  • Zoom P4 PodTract recorder: capability to record up to 4 separate channels; 4 xlr microphone ports; usb c port for a phone or laptop (patrons provide their own SD card / usb-c cable to attach to a phone or computer)
  • 4 professional quality microphones
  • Studio headphones
  • Tripods for phone / professional cameras
  • Canon VIXIA HF G20 video camera (you need to bring your own SD card)
  • Canon XA30 video camera with 2 XLR microphone jacks (you need to bring your own SD card)
  • Black curtain backdrop
  • Power outlets for laptop connections
  • Wifi access

Resources for

Oral History

Oral history is important for genealogists and historians as a record of the lives of everyday people. But you don’t need to be a professional to conduct an oral history. The Central Arkansas Library System is committed to providing its patrons with the tools and resources to conduct oral history interviews on their own. If you would like to have a staff member facilitate an oral history training with your school or civic group, please contact us.

Check Out an Oral History Toolkit

Explore Interviews from Our Collections

This initiative is part of CALS Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art’s DIY Memory Lab Project, in conjunction with the DC Public Library Memory Lab Network and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.