Oral History
From Regional Knowledge Resource Kit
Oral History is the recording of memories of people's unique life experiences. Often the only way to find out about the past is to ask someone who knows about it. Oral history creates a record or supplements existing ones and preserves the past for now and for the future. The recording of oral history is a two-way process in which someone shares memories with an interviewer who has carefully planned an interview.
For practical help and support you can contact the Oral History Association of Australia (OHAA). There are OHAA branches in each state. Some branches provide recording and transcribing equipment either free or at very low rates to members, or can recommend institutions that do.
The objectives of the Oral History Association of Australia are to foster the preservation of oral history records by:
- Promoting the practice and methods of oral history
- Education in the use of oral history methods
- Encouragement of discussions on all aspects of oral history
OHAA State and National conferences are held that include discussions about oral history projects and issues such as ethics and copyright. Branches hold regular meetings, run workshops and publish regular newsletters, and also provide a friendly and informative forum for those interested in oral history from any perspective.
The OHAA website has Guidelines of Ethical Practice and some useful publications.
Interviewing for oral history
The National Library of Australia has prepared the following useful resource: Interviewing for Oral History at the National Library of Australia: A Short Guide Prepared by Alec Bolton. ISBN 0 642 0618 5; 1994, Cost $10.
“The guide will assist anyone interested in the practicalities of interviewing, most particularly those attempting to master the art of the lengthy recorded interview. Alec Bolton speaks with authority and interest about the National Library's long-running oral history programme.”
The Guide can be ordered online.
