Before the Interview
Explain the purpose, publication formats, licence, and right to stop recording. Prepare neutral open questions and a consent form in the participant's language.
Methodology · Responsible Fieldwork
Oral History: From Preparation to Archive
A practical route for recording family memories respectfully, with clear consent and preserved context.
At a glance
Why this guide matters
Oral history preserves personal experience as testimony. It requires careful interviewing, authorised quotations, and a clear link between the recording and its conditions of use.
Material status
This is an editorial guide for the initiative’s development version. It explains an approach and does not replace professional medical, legal or financial advice.
Practical route
Three steps for responsible work
Begin with context, record decisions and preserve each person’s right to revisit the terms.
During the Recording
Do not suggest preferred answers, and leave room for pauses. Record the interview context, and do not present personal memories as established facts.
After the Recording
Prepare a transcript, approve direct quotations, and preserve access restrictions. Link the recording, metadata, and consent record in a protected system.
Working checklist
What to check before moving on
- Explain the purpose and intended uses before recording begins.
- Offer choices between attribution, anonymity, text, and audio.
- Edit speech only without changing the meaning of the testimony.
- Store usage restrictions together with the recording itself.
Both photographs on this page are unique object-based AI illustrations. They do not depict real people, traditions or places.
FAQ
Common questions
Is a memory an established fact?
No. A personal memory is published as testimony, and differences from verified information should be stated.
Can the conditions change after the interview?
The process for changing or withdrawing permission should be explained beforehand and recorded in the consent form.
Have experience or expert insight?
Tell us how you could contribute. Material is published only after rights, sources and consent have been reviewed.