Guides ยท History
Oral History Interview Basics
Record oral histories responsibly
This guide covers oral history interviews: obtain informed consent, prepare prompts and timelines, ask open questions, handle recording logistics, and archive with metadata so future readers understand context.
- oral history
- interviews
- consent
- archiving
- metadata
Prep and consent
Share purpose, how recordings will be used, and get written consent.
Plan prompts
Prepare a timeline and open questions; let narrators lead with their memories.
Handle recording
Test audio, minimize noise, and note dates/locations during the session.
Archive well
Store files with transcripts, metadata, and access permissions for future use.