Sounding Boards: Oral Testimony and the Local Historian

In the last twenty years 'oral history' has established itself as one of the principal means of recovering data from the recent past. In practice it means talking to people who played a part in the moulding of historical events. Once these reminiscences are recorded on tape, future generations become the custodians of a unique historical record which can never be replicated in documents.
But how is this practice best carried out? Sounding Boards provides a wealth of practical guidance for the would-be researcher, whether they come to oral testimony from the standpoint of family history or community studies. After a brief survey of the history of the oral tradition, there is invaluable advice for all individuals and groups who wish to become involved in the collection of oral testimony. The book describes fully the lead-up to the interview, the interview itself and the important tasks which must be carried out once a recording is made. The book offers simple guidelines on locating respondents; structuring an interview; interview technique; and storage, analysis and transcription.