Streaming audio with synchronized transcripts utilizing SMIL

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe developmental work with SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) to synchronize transcript captions with streaming audio.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an evaluation of the hardware/software required to digitally record oral histories and the methods developed at WSU to customize the presentation of streaming audio and text.FindingsThough providing users with streaming media content is not excessively expensive, the multifaceted work‐flow of organizing an oral history project, utilizing digital recording equipment, preparing transcripts, and synchronizing those transcripts with their corresponding audio files, is a complex, labor‐intensive undertaking.Practical implicationsThis is an extremely common‐sense discussion of the time and work involved in planning digital projects that involve streaming media with captions.Originality/valueAs many libraries enhance digital collections with streaming media, this article provides one approach not otherwise found in library literature.