Oral History Interviews: Documentation

Most oral history interviews are likely to be part of a larger project, not recorded in isolation. Before beginning any interview, make sure to have the necessary paperwork and planning in order.

Informed consent and deed of gift forms ensure that participants are aware of the goals and risks of the interview, and that they understand how the recordings will be used. While examples are provided here, consult with your institution for additional guidelines and requirements.

Keeping track of your recordings and recording details is essential. Sample inventory, log sheets, and metadata guidelines are provided. While some interviews may have detailed transcriptions and indexes, collecting basic information about the recording, the interviewee, and related details is a great place to start.