Oral History Guidelines
These guidelines are suggestions to help individuals in conducting an oral
history. They are here to serve as a baseline and you may wish to alter them to
address specific needs of your project.
Oral history is a remarkably rewarding area in the field of history. It is rewarding
for the interviewer, interviewee and for future generations of researchers that will
look back with gratitude on your efforts.
In the interview process itself you will soon develop a style that works well for
you. For some it is formal, for others it is more informal.
Remember in oral history there is a continual race against time - so get out there
and start interviewing now.
Administration
Create an interviewee data form. Information contained should include:
Name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, place of birth of
interviewee. Interview information should include: date of interview, place of
interview, name of interviewer, number of tapes used. Other interviewee
information varies based on your project: for example, if a military project you
should include branch of service, unit information, years of service and
rankings. You may also wish to include a copy of their resume if they have it
available.
Create a standard release form. You must have a release form to legally use
the information. Be sure to indicate on that release form all potential uses for
the interview including the Internet. An interviewee might be upset if while
searching the Internet they locate their entire transcript without prior consent.
Create an interview control sheet (spreadsheet format). This will allow you to
efficiently administer numerous interviews. On this sheet include: Interviewee
Name, Interview Date, Transcription Date, Date Transcript Mailed, Transcript
Returned Date, Indexed.
Interviewee files. A file folder should be created for each interview subject.
Include in this folder a copy of the interviewee data form, release form and any
other information you have gathered pertaining to the individual. Other
materials to include vary based on your project. Other items you may wish to
include are: photo taken during the time frame that the interview is addressing
(example: for WWII, a copy in uniform during WWII), resume or copies of
other documents.
Transcription Process
1) Provide audio format to transcriber.
2) Transcription should be word for word. Include in [brackets] cough, chuckle,
laugh. If taping stopped at any time include this notation as well in brackets.
FORMAT EXAMPLE:
John A. Smith Interview
Tape 1 Side A
Dr. IM History: This is the Blah Blah Oral History Project. Today is February 20,
2001. The interview subject is Mr. John A. Smith. We are at the home of Mr.
Smith in Vero Beach, Florida. The interviewer is Dr. IM History. Tape 1, side 1.
Mr. Smith I would like to thank you for participating in our project. Before we
begin could you please state your full name.
Mr. John A. Smith: My pleasure. My full name is John Adam Smith.
History: Mr. Smith, let’s begin with your time just prior your induction into the US
Air Force.
Smith: OK, well let me see. I was completing my final year in college at Big Name
University and well this was the fifties and you know all young men had to serve
some time in the military. So I thought heck, why not join the fly boys [chuckle].
So right after graduation I went down and signed up.
History: Where were you sent for your training?
Smith: I was sent to Carswell Air Force Base. When I got there – let me tell you,
I caught my first glimpse of a B-36, what a plane this baby was so big. Here let
me show you. [Mr. Smith points to a B-36 in his photo album – this photo is
available in his file].
In regard to spacing: For ease of correction by the interviewee, do not single
space, you can single and half space or double space within the individual
speech blocks. You must double space between the speech blocks.
For copies sent to the interviewee for review – you may find it helpful to
double space within the speech blocks to facilitate the editing process.
3) Once the interview is transcribed you should listen to the audio for transcript
accuracy.
4) Send the transcript to the interviewee. Include a copy of the transcript, a
personalized note, instruction form and SASE.
5) Instruction form should include the following a passage similar to this:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I would like to thank you again for participating in the Blah Blah Oral History Program. A
transcript of your interview is enclosed. Please examine the transcript for any potential
errors in name spelling, dates, etc. You may also edit passages if you desire. When
editing, please keep in mind the research value of oral history is the informality of the
spoken word rather than a grammatically perfect written work.
Upon completion please return in the enclosed envelope so that we may revise your
interview and incorporate any corrections. Please initial this sheet so we may have a
record of your receipt of transcript and return this sheet with your transcript.
We would also like to include a photograph of you from this (whatever your interview
time period is) frame in your file folder. A photocopy of the photograph is fine.
Helpful Hints –
Please make corrections in pen rather than pencil or marker.
Please print for ease of legibility.
Please be sure to initial this sheet and return with your transcript.
Initial Here _____________
Please return by ________________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6) Upon receiving the corrected transcript – incorporate the corrections,
editing.
7) Print a copy for your file.
8) Print and send copy (with copy of signed release form) to the interviewee.
9) While it can not be viewed by the public -- keep the original returned copy
with handwritten corrections for your files.
10) Place the initialed transcript instruction sheet (see above) in the
interviewee's file.
Safeguarding Your Holdings
NOTE: USE ACID FREE PAPER FOR ALL YOUR FORMS AND TRANSCRIPT
COPIES
1) Keep hardcopy of interview available for public viewing.
2) Keep original hand corrected copy in your files.
3) Copy interview to two discs – store in two different geographic locations.
Perhaps one at your office the other at home.
4) If possible burn a CD of the transcript. Permits longer secured storage of
data.
5) For audio tapes – make copies and store in two locations.
6) For video tapes – copy and store in two locations.
7) Again, if possible burn on to a DVD.
Indexing
You should index your transcripts. Create a list of key subjects, events, names.
Read your interview and note key items. Then add the interviewees’ name to
the subject list.
Example:
B-36 Bomber: Franklin Johnson (2/24/2002); Franklin Johnson (4/5/2002); John
A. Smith (2/20/2002).
Carswell AFB: John A. Smith (2/20/2002); Peter B. Brown (3/4/2002); John F.
Jones (3/24/2002).
General Dynamics Corporation: Calvin D. Smith (2/1/2001); Ellen P. Grimes
(3/1/2001); John Q. Atlas (12/20/2001).
This acts as a finding aid for potential researchers.
The Interview Process
1) Select interview subject. Be sure to inform them of your intentions and
possible public access to the materials. You do not want them to have any
surprises when they arrive for the interview.
2) Set up a time with the subject. While talking with them regarding the time do
a pre-interview. Try to get basic facts about them and projects or events they
were associated with. Spent at least 10 to 15 minutes.
3) Also make sure at least 2 days before the interview you call to CONFIRM
the date and time.
4) Prepare for interview. Conduct background research on the person and other
projects or events you know they were associated with.
5) Prepare questions. BE SURE NOT TO ASK LEADING QUESTIONS. For
example: Leading: So I understand the race relations were very tense here in
1960. Non-Leading: Could you please reflect on race relations here in 1960.
6) Try to ask your questions in a manner that will lead the interviewee to give
you more than just a simple yes or no answer.
7) At the start of the interview let the interview subject take the lead. Ask an
opening question and let them go. During this initial free run period they will
answer many of your questions. This period also allows the interviewee to
settle in and get comfortable with the process. [I have found this to be an
effective method - interviewing styles do vary.]
8) If you have any controversial questions SAVE THEM FOR THE END. If
you start off with them it can shut your interview right down.
9) And if you ask something controversial be tactful. Never ambush an
interviewee. Remember, you represent your project.
10) NEVER get argumentative.
11) Do not interject your opinion. The interview is about the interviewee not
you.
12) If a person wanders let them wander for a minute or two. If it goes on
longer than politely pull them back to the original topic.
13) As the interview progresses take notes – formulate other questions or jot
down points you would like to follow-up on. Also keep a list of proper names at
the end of the interview ask the interviewee for correct spellings. This will help
in the transcription process.
14) Try not to interrupt the interviewee. Let them finish and then ask your next
question.
15) During the interview pay attention to what the interviewee is saying. Let
them know you are listening – nod your head, etc.
16) Also as they are talking if they answer one your questions on the list to
your satisfaction before you ask it – check it off your list. Save yourself the
embarrassment of asking something they already addressed. If you wish to
follow-up for additional information on that topic then proceed.
17) On your question list star a few “gotta ask this” questions. Do this that in
the event you see your interviewee is wearing down – you can have the
interviewee address these questions before the interview concludes. Remember
in some instances you only have one opportunity to talk with an interview
candidate.
18) With the elderly if you notice they are tiring, be polite and tactfully ask if
they would like for you to return and set up a return date. But do not make
them feel like you are questioning their stamina.
19) OK – your interview has drawn to a successful conclusion. If you sense
your interviewee wants to just chitchat or asks you to lunch – if you have the
time do it. Remember – they are doing you the favor by letting you pick their
brain. If you feel the interviewee is pressed for time – then pack up your
materials, extend your thank you and leave.
20) After the interview be sure to send a thank you note within 7 days.
Interview Process Mechanics
1) Make sure to call the interviewee 2 days before to remind them you are
coming.
2) Check your equipment before you leave. Make sure you have enough tapes,
batteries and paperwork for the interviewee to fill out.
3) When arriving introduce yourself and talk with the interviewee for awhile so
they can get comfortable with you. However, ask how much time they have. If
they are pressed for time alter this introduction period accordingly. Also during
this period again inform the interviewee of the purpose of the interview and
any possible use for the materials.
4) During this period ask them to fill out the interviewee data form and sign the
release form. Let them know that although they are signing the form the
interview will NEVER be viewed by others until they give their final approval.
5) Set up your equipment. Try to find a nice quiet area away from Grandfather
clocks that strike on the hour, telephones, fans or anything else that might
make your transcription process a nightmare with background noise.
6) Place lead tape on the audio: state the project title, name of the interviewee,
the date, place of interview, tape number and interviewer name.
7) If you are video taping the interview write the same information on a sheet
of paper or dry marker board. Film at least 10 seconds of this on the front of
the tape.
8) Start your equipment. Ask the interviewee to state their name and proceed
with interview.
9) If you use another tape during the interview be sure to repeat the lead tape
information for audio and dry marker board identification for video.
10) At conclusion of video be sure to safeguard all audio and videotapes from
accidental erasure by breaking or sliding tabs.
11) Be sure to label all audio and videotapes. Name of interviewee, date and
tape 1 or 1 or tape 1 of 2, etc.
Remember - Upon completion of the entire interview process, if you feel you
missed areas or after reviewing the transcript notice areas you should have
followed up on, conduct a second interview. Most participants are willing to
consent to an additional interview.