FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I found a Southern Folklife Collection recording in the online catalog. Can I come in and listen to it?

The SFC provides listening copies of original recordings for patron use. If a listening copy of the recording you want already exists, you may access it immediately. If not, you may place an order to have one made. Since we retain the copy, we don't charge for listening copies, but please allow 1-2 weeks for us to complete the work. Listening or viewing copies are accessed using equipment in the Manuscripts Department search room. Patrons may also view original album covers, album liner notes, CD booklets, and other types of documentation in the search room.

Can I get a copy of a recording? How much does it cost?

Cassette or CD copies of recordings that are not restricted or commercially available may be purchased for personal use only. If a cassette or CD listening copy exists for an original recording, we can make a high-speed dub for $11.25. Duplicating original real-time recordings involves a labor charge of $16.50/hour plus materials costs. Please consult an SFC staff member for more detailed information regarding duplication orders.

I am a UNC Chapel Hill instructor. Can I use recordings and films from your collections in class?

Full-time UNC Chapel Hill instructors may borrow listening or viewing copies to use in class. These are considered a loan and must be returned in a timely manner. If you are considering using SFC materials in class, please alert staff as soon as possible to allow for the production of listening or viewing copies, if needed.

I am a UNC Chapel Hill student. Can I borrow recordings or films to take to class?

SFC materials don't circulate. You may access listening copies onsite or order copies for purchase, if you wish.

Which academic journals and periodicals do you collect? How can I access them?

Journals and periodicals held by the SFC are searchable via UNC Libraries' online catalog. Journals and periodicals are housed in closed stacks and can be used in the Manuscripts Department search room upon request.

Your website mentions 78s and field recordings, but I can't find them in the online catalog. How can I find out what you have?

The SFC has over 200,000 audio recordings and continues to grow. While our goal is to include every item in the UNC Chapel Hill Libraries' online catalog, the process is very time consuming. A growing percentage of our 78 rpm collection is searchable online via the SFC Recordings Database. We are actively adding to the database. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please contact our public services staff for assistance.

Can I get a copy of a photograph?

The Manuscripts Department offers two types of digital scans: Reference Scan (jpeg) or High Resolution Scan (tiff). Please contact staff for more detailed information regarding duplication orders for photographs.

I have some old recordings and want to transfer them to CD. Can you do this for me?

With a growing collection of over 200,000 recordings, we are busy preserving unique materials in our permanent collection. We may, however, be able to supply you with copies of materials that you are interested in donating to the Southern Folklife Collection, Southern Historical Collection, or University Archives. If you have such materials, please contact Steve Weiss at smweiss@email.unc.edu. Otherwise, you may want to contact a sound restoration engineer. The Association for Recorded Sound Collections maintains a list of independent sound restoration engineers.

I want to donate materials to the SFC. How can I do this?

Please see our Donations/Support page for details on making donations to the SFC.