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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following list of Frequently Asked Questions is intended to supplement the Shoah Foundation's own FAQ with information specific to using the VHA at Yale University. A comprehensive preparation for using the VHA at Yale should include both this section and the Foundation's version.
Why do I have to transfer videos to Yale's cache server in order to watch them?
The digital video files are too large to be viewed directly over the internet from their California-based storage. They must be transfered to a server on the Yale network first. Once they are on the Yale network, the videos are available for streaming at any time and to most parts of the network.
Does Yale plan to continue offering access to the VHA?
Access to the VHA will continue at Yale University for the foreseeable future.
How can I get help using the VHA?
Library and Archives reference staff have received training in use of the VHA and can provide general research assistance. The Foundation's education staff will also be available to answer questions during west coast business hours. Please see the Support section of our user guide for contact information.
I am not a student or faculty member at Yale University, can I still use the VHA?
The VHA at Yale is accessible to all. The only requirement is that the collection must be accessed from within the Yale University network. In other words, you must visit Yale to use this resource. Yale University Library is equipped with many public access workstations that permit access to the VHA. If you are using a workstation outside of the Manuscripts and Archives Reference Center, you must supply your own headphones.
What is the difference between the VHA and the Testimony Catalog?
The VHA and the Testimony Catalog (TC) are two seperate products. The TC is an early attempt to give remote access to the catalog of information about the testimonies. It is a stand-alone database catalog that only searches the biographical data. The VHA is a newer product that allows live access to the database of biographical data as well as the keyword indexed videos themselves. See the Testimony Catalog page for more details.
Do I have to be in the Library or the Manuscripts and Archives Reference Center to watch the videos?
Any computer that is connected to the Yale University network and conforms to the basic technical requirements will allow you to search the VHA and view the videos.
Can I use clips from the videos in a presentation?
The Shoah Foundation materials may be used in whole or in part for presentations that take place at Yale University as part of the work of the University. If you want to make a presentation that includes VHA materials outside of Yale University, you must receive explicit permission in writing from the Foundation. The Foundation can also provide for a fee broadcast quality clips of video. Contact the Shoah Foundation's Manager of Online Access for more information at 213-740-6046 or email:vha-help@vhf.org.
Can I get transcriptions of the testimonies?
Since the collection contains more than 50,000 testimonies, there has not been enough funding or time to produce transcripts. You may produce your own transcripts for research purposes. It is permissible to make audio recordings of the testimonies for research or transcription purposes.
How do I cite the VHA materials in my work?
Citations must include the full name of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation as well as the name or ID number identifying the individual testimony. Quotes from the testimonies may be published as long as the Foundation is credited and the name and ID number of the testimony is cited.
Can I get more information about a person or their testimony?
As part of the process of recording the interview, a detailed Pre-Interview Questionnaire is created. Only a small portion of the information contained in this document is available through the VHA. Paper copies of the entire PIQ may be obtained through the Foundation for a $0.25/page copy fee. Contact the Shoah Foundation's Manager of Online Access for more information at 213-740-6046 or email:vha-help@vhf.org.
What is the connection between the VHA and the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies ?
The Fortunoff Archive is a separate entity which has been at Yale University Library for more than 20 years. Yale's experience and reputation as a center for study of Holocaust oral video histories and testimonies led naturally to the Library's involvement in the pilot program to create access to the VHA.
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