Building a timeless audiovisual collection: libraries and archives as repositories of oral history
| Published date | 11 June 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-05-2017-0049 |
| Date | 11 June 2018 |
| Pages | 188-199 |
| Author | Joseph Marmol Yap,Agnes Sambalilo Barsaga |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Building a timeless audiovisual
collection: libraries and archives
as repositories of oral history
Joseph Marmol Yap
Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan, and
Agnes Sambalilo Barsaga
De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
Abstract
Purpose –Oral histories (OHs), as primary sources of information, are used as evidences of the past and
inculcate human memory. It is a real testimony of our history. However, OHs are now neglected and somehow
unpopular. Strategies must be done to make sure that OH projects should continue to be used as proofs.
The purpose of this paper is to go back in time and review the OH in Asia, in the Philippines, and the
collection at De La Salle University.
Design/methodology/approach –This study explores the OH col lection of the DLSU Archives. Data are
extracted from the Sierr a library system. Extra cted subjects are arrange d alphabetically. The y are
presented and summari zed below. Historical d ata coming from the corre spondences kept at the arc hives
are also used to understand ho w the collection accumulated and how they are bei ng organized, classified,
and used by the patrons. L iterature reviews are al so consulted to learn mor e about the background of
OH in the Philippines.
Findings –A total of 176 subjects are identified. These subjects are selected on the basis of the Library of
Congress Classification Scheme which is re-categorized according to the Philippine Standard Industrial
Classificationto identify whichtype of industry does each OH belongto. The category on professional,scientific
and technical activities had 30 LCC-related subjects or 16.95 percent of the total number of subjects, next is
15.25 percentor 27 LCC-related subjects whichcomes from the arts, entertainmentand recreation, and top three
is Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Securitywith 10.23 percent.
Research limitations/implications –This paper shares the challenges and experiences of establishing
and maintaining OHs.
Practical implications –The paper presents new ways or initiatives to capture OH other than the
traditional and usual process.
Social implications –Oral interviews are given proper attention as part of the local history.
Originality/value –There is a scarcity of OH papers written by librarians; therefore, this paper presents the
current status of OH in the country.
Keywords Philippines, Oral history, Special collections, Academic archives, De La Salle University,
Human library
Paper type Case study
1. Background
Libraries in general collect all types of formats including audiovisual (AV ) materials. Unlike
other forms of library materials, AV resources are hard to accumulate, maintain, and preserve.
AV resources may be produced from a video documentation project of an academic library.
Video documentation projects add up to the collection development of the media library.
This video documentation contains revealing speeches, techniques, or interviews which are
valuable to a researcher. Williams (2012) noted that more and more information is rapidly
transmitted through visual means rather than printed word. Videos capture real images of the
subject and provide a more genuine feeling when viewed by the researcher. Persons shown in
Library Management
Vol. 39 No. 3/4, 2018
pp. 188-199
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-05-2017-0049
Received 24 May 2017
Revised 28 September 2017
Accepted 7 October 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
The authors wish to thank the following people for providing the information the authors need to
accomplish this paper: Donna Labangon, Lulu del Mar, Josefina Galleon, Yugosto Balbas and
Avelino Dancalan.
188
LM
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