Personal collection of original 16" radio transcriptions and lacquers primarily documenting lesser-known radio programs, spanning the period from the late 1920s through 1960. Collection is primarily pressed 16" transcriptions, but also includes lacquers, some pressed 78 rpm discs and open reel audio tape, and examples of pressing plates used to manufacture 16" radio transcriptions. Programs are in a wide variety of genres. Collection also includes high-quality digital encodes of program material and high-resolution scans of disc labels.
Content types:
Sounds (Other than music & language)
Formats:
Pressed 78rpm disc, Lacquer disc, Metal disc, Open reel tape (unknown material), Digital audio file (including MP3, WAV, AIFF, etc.), and Pressed 16 inch Transcription Disc
The vast majority of the collection is the full contents of the Leo Sarkisian Music Library transferred from the Voice of America in Washington, D.C. to the University of Michigan for preservation, teaching, and research use. The media library supported Sarkisian’s research and recording career at VOA (1963-2012) and served as the principal analog audio resources for the production of the Music Time in Africa radio show. The collection also includes personal papers and memorabilia from Leo Sarkisian and his wife Mary. New materials in digital form are added to the collection as tape recordings and personal papers are digitized.
Content types:
Performed music, Still image, and Text
Formats:
Pressed LP disc, Pressed 45rpm disc, Optical disc (including CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, VCD), Analog audiocassette, Polyester open reel tape, Acetate open reel tape, Digital audio file (including MP3, WAV, AIFF, etc.), Photographic negative, and Text document