Frequently Asked Questions
How does the “Search” box work?
You may search for a single word or multiple words. Words entered next to each other are treated as if connected by “and”; you may enter titles as the words will be searched together, for example: I love a lassie.
If I don’t find a subject in the “Browse” box does it mean you don’t have any cylinders in that category?
It means that there no cylinders yet digitized in that category; subjects are added as new cylinders are added.
Do you have recordings of these songs by other performers?
Frequently there are recordings of the same song title by different performers. A title search should display them one after the other.
Do you also have 78 rpm recordings of the same songs?
There are often recordings on 78 rpm discs of the same pieces. Except for gift collections in process, all of our 78 rpm recordings are identified in the Syracuse Library online catalog.
Will you digitize alternate takes in your collection?
Our first goal is to digitize as many different titles as possible; therefore, alternate takes will not receive as high a priority in the beginning.
When will you have digital audio files of your other cylinders?
Our goal is to have 6000 cylinders digitized within three years. We have coordinated as much as possible with the University of California, Santa Barbara cylinder project so as not to duplicate the digital cylinder files they have already put online. As funding permits, we plan to digitize more of the 22,000 cylinders in our collection.
May I request that a cylinder in Belfer’s collection be added to the digital collection?
It is not possible to alter the digitization schedule, but you may request a CD copy of a Belfer cylinder recording that is in the public domain by filling out a request form. Fees for this service are as follows: $75 per hour for the Audio Engineers’ labor (minimum charge $30), plus $2 per CD and shipping costs.
Are there any restrictions on use of these files?
Yes. See the Syracuse University Library’s Digital Project Intellectual Property Statement.
What do I do if I am having trouble playing an audio file?
In order to play the recordings, you need 1) Flash Player and 2) either QuickTime or Windows Media Player installed in your computer.
Whom do I contact if I find an error that needs correcting?
Please contact belfer@syr.edu