The Transcription Service can provide copies of recordings held in the collections to users who are able to obtain the appropriate copyright clearance. The copies can be supplied on a range of up-to-date audio formats. This is a professional service, intended primarily for organisations such as radio stations and record companies, and for academic and educational users.
Application for a copy of a sound recording
For copies of wildlife recordings please use the Wildlife Transcription Service.
The copying charge is £180 per hour (£45 minimum charge). Hourly charges are calculated according to the length of time spent in making the transcription. The charges are exclusive of VAT and any copyright payments required. Post and packing is included (except for express and airmail delivery).
Orders are subject to a limit of six items (no repeat orders) unless a specific commercial, educational or research project has been named and agreed in advance.
An application form must be submitted listing the sound recordings you require. The form should be downloaded (PDF format) and returned to us by mail or fax. A copy of the form can also be supplied to customers by post if necessary.
It is possible to search for recordings held in the Sound Archive's collection by using the online catalogue. This includes information on three million published and unpublished recordings. You can search for artists, composers, musical works, interviews, recordings of plays and poetry, wildlife sounds, oral history, sound effects, record companies and radio broadcasts. After selecting the recording(s) you would like to have copied, please note the reference call number. The Sound Archive reference call numbers are listed at the top of each entry in brief display (see image below) and under HOLDINGS or LIST RECORDINGS in full display (see image below). This will help us deal with your request more quickly. If you are unable to find the recording you wanted, please contact the Sound Archive, who may be able to give you further information. Some recordings held in the Archive's collections are not yet included in the catalogue.
We can provide estimates of the likely cost of making a copy before submission of a completed form and in any event will advise of the cost before the transcription work is started. Sound restoration can be undertaken on request. Further details about sound restoration techniques can be obtained from the Transcription Service.
In placing an order for a copy to be made, you will need to state your proposed use of the material. Please note that use of copies from our collections for commercial publication or public dissemination of any kind is subject to the British Library's written permission and may involve further charges.
Users must obtain the appropriate copyright permission before copies can be provided. An acceptable permission will take the form of a signed letter from the individual/company/organisation representing the owner of the copyright or the rights holder, allowing the British Library to make a copy of the recording on your behalf. The letter must include a statement that the signatory is the owner or authorised representative of the owner of the rights as listed and that they are authorised to execute the letter of permission. Where required by copyright law, separate permission(s) must be provided in relation to the copyright in the sound recording, the copyright in the work(s), and the rights in the performance(s).
The original letter(s) should be sent, together with the application for a copy of a recording (PDF format) form, to the following address:
Transcription Service
The British Library Sound Archive
Centre for Conservation
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB
