Conducting Oral Histories
A Student's Guide to a Successful Interviewing Experience
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Tips for contact…
Again - make contact early with your interviewee. This is especially important, if you have contacted him or her via e-mail. Confirm delivery of the e-mail if possible, using your internet tools.
Don't allow yourself to run out of time - if you don't receive a confirmation from your potential interviewee within a week, then, contact him or her again. If still no response, find another interviewee.
A checklist…
Confirm the interview time, date, and location - at least TWICE with your interviewee - once by e-mail or telephone (preferably) immediately after the initial contact, a week before the interview, and even, one day before, if you are concerned.
Get your consent form and donor agreement ready.
Prepare your outline of questions. Find a notepad to bring with you.
Check the tape recording equipment. Become familiar and comfortable with it. Bring extra tapes and batteries.
Locate resources, such as articles, books, or other documents regarding topics that you can discuss with your interviewee.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Conducting Oral Histories: A Student's Guide to a Successful Interviewing Experience is designed to guide first-time interviewers through the entire oral history process. From defining what an oral history is (and isn't), to providing tips for the initial interviewee contact and the subsequent interviewing process, Conducting Oral Histories is the one-stop-shop for both inexperienced and experienced interviewers. The author has also included sample forms, letters, and various checklists to ensure an informative and successful oral history experience for everyone involved.
About the Author
Evelyn S. Taylor is the University Archivist and a lecturer in oral history at California State University, Channel Islands in Camarillo, California. She has a Master's degree in History, with an emphasis in Archives from California State University, Northridge and a Master's in Library Science from California State University, San Jose.