Preservation Workshop: Strategies for Starting and Archiving Oral History Projects

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore effective strategies for starting and archiving oral history projects, based on insights from the Preservation Workshop conducted by the Davenport Public Library. This guide will provide you with practical tips on how to conduct oral histories, store them properly, and ensure their accessibility for the future.

Step 1: Prepare for Conducting Oral Histories

Before you start recording oral histories, it's crucial to prepare thoroughly.

• Identify Your Subjects: Choose individuals whose stories you want to document. Consider diversity in age, background, and experiences.

Develop Interview Questions: Create open-ended questions that encourage storytelling. Examples include

• What is your earliest memory?
• Can you describe a pivotal moment in your life?
• Choose Your Equipment: Select audio or video recording devices. Ensure they are functional and check battery life.

Step 2: Conduct the Interview

Once you are prepared, it’s time to conduct the interview.

• Create a Comfortable Environment: Choose a quiet, familiar space to make your interviewee comfortable.
• Build Rapport: Start with casual conversation to ease any tension.
• Follow the Guide: Use your prepared questions but be flexible. Allow the conversation to flow naturally and follow interesting tangents.
• Record the Session: Ensure that your recording device is capturing audio or video clearly.

Step 3: Organize and Store the Recorded Material

After the interview, organization is key to preservation.

• Label Your Files: Immediately after recording, label the files with the interviewee's name and date.

Create Metadata: Document essential information for future reference, including

• Interviewee's background
• Date and location of the interview
• Summary of the main topics discussed
• Choose a Storage Solution: Store files on reliable media such as external hard drives or cloud storage.

Step 4: Archive the Oral Histories

Archiving involves creating a system to ensure long-term access and preservation.

• Select an Archiving Format: Use widely accepted formats like WAV for audio and MP4 for video to ensure compatibility.
• Backup Your Files: Create multiple copies of your recordings in different locations to prevent loss.
• Document the Process: Keep a record of how the interviews were conducted and stored. This can include notes on the interview setting and any challenges faced.

Step 5: Share and Provide Access to the Oral Histories

Making your oral histories accessible is vital for sharing knowledge.

• Create a Public Platform: Consider using a website, social media, or local library services to share your projects.
• Organize Events: Host listening sessions or exhibitions to present the collected stories to the community.
• Encourage Further Documentation: Invite others to contribute their stories and experiences, expanding your project.

Conclusion

This tutorial has outlined essential steps to start and archive oral history projects effectively. By preparing thoroughly, conducting interviews with care, organizing and archiving recordings, and sharing your findings, you can contribute to preserving valuable personal narratives. As you embark on your oral history journey, remember that each story adds to our collective history. Happy recording!