Reformatting the 38 reel-to-reel tapes in the THS archive to digital will cost a little over $900. With this in mind we decided to pursue this funding and actually go for depth in this project rather depth and, for now at least, ignore the 209 cassette tapes. To get started I drafted a document to use in searching for the funding because we have a few sources in mind that we think will provide support. The document included a list of 64 names many of whom are recognizable to most Tulsans. Names like Zink, Aaronson and Mayo for example.

Once this funding is acquired the process will begin. Each reel will be digitized into a .WAV format and delivered on compact disc. Here then are the next steps:

1. Import copies of each .WAV file into Audacity
2. Break out different interviews into single tracks
3. Name the tracks according to Lastname_DateOfInterview
4. Transfer the tracks to the THS server
5. Organize the tracks in the Past Perfect Archive Module’s Oral History.
6. Write to publish the method for organizing audio and video oral history files
7. Document the whole process from selecting interviewees, to performing the interviews, to recording and organizing oral histories among a few other things.
8. Look into how best to transcribe these interviews or whether there are existing transcriptions
9. Scan and attach the deeds of gift to the Past Perfect record
10. Start collecting and organizing new interviews.

 As these steps are running, I am also learning how to use Past Perfect to do the organizing. I browsed the THS system and then downloaded an evaluation copy to my personal laptop that is good for up to 200 records, and all of the documentation. I will be using the 3 ring binders that accompany the reel tapes to start testing methods of organization and I will try to learn how THS is cataloging its other archives to insure consistency.

Besides all of this, I am headed to the Oral History Symposium in a few weeks which is exciting , I am working on ideas to prepare the next phase of the project starting in the Spring (that will probably include the cassettes) and also I am looking out for someone to take on the responsibility because honestly, I want actually perform interviews.