Historical Sound Recordings
A treasure trove of historical sound recordings.
The closing years of the nineteenth century saw the advent of a new era for performing arts. Performance practices in music, drama, public speaking, and literature, previously lost with the passage of time, could now be preserved for future generations.
Yale was among the first academic institutions to recognize the value of sound recordings in scholarly research. In 1961, the Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings (HSR) was established as a department of the Yale University Library. The program’s purpose is to collect, preserve, and make available for study important historical recordings in the fields of Western classical music, jazz, American musical theatre, drama, literature, and history. Approximately 280,000 recordings currently reside at HSR, the majority of which are 78s and LPs. The remaining portion of the collection consists mostly of reel-to-reel tapes, CDs, audio cassettes, and cylinders. Also, in support of this collection, HSR maintains a large library of printed materials that provide biographical and historical information, background information about the recording industry, and discographical information useful in locating and dating recordings in the collection.
Spoken Arts Collection
The Spoken Arts Collection documents the collected works of Spoken Arts, Inc., one of the first companies to record the spoken word. Learn about this collection >
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I request a recording in the Yale Library Collection of Historical Sound Recordings (HSR)?
If the recording is listed in Yale’s online catalog (LPs, CDs, and 10” 78s from A to Columbia by record label), you may make a request by clicking/tapping “Request for Use in Music Library” on the catalog record. There also are recordings listed in Archives at Yale, which can be requested through http://archives.yale.edu/. Most recordings listed in Archives at Yale are digitized and can be streamed online. For uncataloged recordings, which is the majority of the collection, and for more information about them, email mark.bailey@yale.edu for assistance.
How do I listen to recordings in the HSR collection?
When you request a cataloged recording, you will receive an email confirming the request. If you request a CD, you may pick it up at the music library circulation desk, sign it out, and listen to it at the music library (there are CD players and headphones available, or you may use your own device). If you request an LP or 78rpm disc from the Yale Library catalog, you will receive an email to schedule a listening session. Once your appointment is scheduled, your recording will be paged, and you will be able to listen to it during your appointment in the HSR studio. The same process is in place for uncataloged recordings, which can be handled entirely by emailing Mark Bailey. (If you request a recording in tape format, it will need to be digitized first.)
May I request a digital copy of an HSR recording?
Yes. You will need a Special Collections (“Aeon”) Account to do so. Once your account is set up, login to your account and follow the instructions after clicking/tapping “Digital Copies.” To login to your Special Collections Account, both as a user or to create an account, click here: Yale Library Login. There may be a digitization fee assessed for non-Yale Library patrons.
I already have a Special Collections account. How do I request digital copies of HSR recordings?
Open your account. Click on “Digital Copies” and scroll down to “New Digital Copy Request.” Select Irving S. Gilmore Music Library. Then fill in “Call number…” from the catalog record or from information HSR provides, and then fill in the other fields as they apply (note: if requesting high-fidelity audio copies, such as WAV files, under “Format” select “Special AV format” and specify in notes). When finished, click on/tap “Submit Request.”
May I sign-out an HSR recording and listen to it on my own audio equipment?
HSR recordings are part of special collections at Yale Library and are treated under those guidelines. CDs may be signed out and listened to at the music library (as mentioned above) either on library audio equipment or a personal computer/disc player. All other recordings must be listened to in the HSR studio. Some recordings, because of their delicate nature, will need to be digitized before listening.
Is there a charge for making a digital copy of a recording for my teaching or research?
There is no charge to receive digital copies of CD-Rs in the collection or files that are already digitized. For all other formats, Yale students and faculty are not charged. For non-Yale researchers, a fee is assessed based on format and amount to be digitized (there is no commitment to go through with the digitization until the fee is disclosed).
How long does it take for a recording to be digitized?
The turnaround time is generally 10 to 14 weeks, though CD-Rs in the collection, as well as existing digital files, will be ready much sooner.
How long does a studio appointment last?
Generally one hour. If the schedule permits, it can be longer.
When may I hear recordings in the HSR studio?
Listening appointments are available throughout the week, preferably in the afternoon. Reach out to Mark Bailey for an appointment.
Is HSR able to make a digital transfer of an LP, 78, or tape I own?
HSR only interacts with recordings in the collection.
Is the HSR collection cataloged?
The commercial LPs and CDs, as well as 10” 78s from A to Columbia, are individually cataloged. The majority of the collection, unfortunately, is not cataloged, but is available through inquiry. Such inquiries may be directed to Mark Bailey (mark.bailey@yale.edu)
Are there print resources to guide my use of historical sound recordings?
In addition to the books in circulation that address any number of topics regarding historical recordings, HSR has a reference collection directly across from the studio. These materials may be used in the library. All books are listed in the online library catalog, though researchers are welcome to browse the reference collection in person.
How do I locate an uncataloged recording in the HSR collection?
If you have a specific recording in mind, or a performing artist or ensemble etc., simply contact Mark Bailey. For 78s, you may also consult the following discographies and then ask if Yale Library has a copy: Charm Discography and Discography of American Historical Recordings
Where is the HSR studio located?
The HSR studio resides in the basement of the Irving S. Gilmore Music Library. At the base of the downward stairs, immediately go to the right.
Are consultations available to help me find recordings relevant to my research, field of interest, and/or teaching?
Absolutely, by email, through Zoom, and in person. Please contact Mark Bailey for more information.
Are there online streaming HSR recordings?
There are some online digital collections of Yale Library recordings, including over 700 7” Berliner discs from ca. 1900 Berliner Gramophone Disc Collection, rare test pressings and concert recordings of the music of Charles Ives Collection: Charles Ives Rare and Non-Commercial Sound Recordings, and test pressings by conductor Robert Shaw Test pressings, 1938 - 1953
May I use a digital transfer of an HSR recording for a class presentation, exhibit, or academic paper?
Yes, under the provisions of fair use, these digital transfers may be used in support of personal research, teaching and education.
May I publish or otherwise reproduce a digital transfer of an HSR recording?
Yale Library is not the copyright holder of most material in its collections and has no legal standing to grant or deny permission to publish it. It is your responsibility to determine if there is a copyright holder and obtain permission from that person, their estate or other agency if you intend to publish or otherwise reproduce this material. Recordings published before 1923, however, are in the public domain per the Music Modernization Act.
For any other questions, feel free to email mark.bailey@yale.edu