Preparing an oral history

An oral history or story that connects the object with the people who used it enriches the research and demonstrates a good evidence-based approach to history. The first step is to seek permission to interview anyone connected with the object.

When interviewing anyone about their life, it is important to consider exactly what sort of information is being asked for and exactly what it will be used for. In some cases, the information may be general knowledge, whilst other information may be confidential and sensitive. When recording oral histories, it is important to consider exactly what level of publication is agreed to. The following three categories of use and access are a guide:

General use

Use: May be used by the researcher with unrestricted access for use as part of the current and future projects. Publication, public performance, broadcasting or telecasting of recorded materials will occur only with the prior written consent of the interviewee. Final edition of the audio or video recording to be used in a project must be approved by the interviewee. Final draft of any transcripts of recording must be approved by the interviewee.

Access: May be accessed by the general public under the access policy of the organisation where the recorded material is deposited.

Restricted use

Use: For unrestricted use as part of the current project only. Use in any other project must have written consent from the interviewee. Publications, public performance, broadcasting or telecasting of recorded materials by the relevant authority only (for example: school, museum, government department) and must have prior written consent of the interviewee. Final edition of the audio or video recording to be used in a project must be approved by the interviewee. Final draft of any transcripts of recording must be approved by the interviewee.

Access: To be accessed only by the relevant authority personnel. Not to be accessed by others without written consent of the interviewee.

Confidential use

Use: Relates generally to recorded materials or parts of recorded materials containing confidential information – all private or partly private. The relevant authority use will occur only with the prior written consent of the interviewee. Final edition of the audio or video recording to be used in a project must be approved by the interviewee. Final draft of any transcripts of recording must be approved by the interviewee.

Access: To be accessed by the relevant authority personnel only. Not to be accessed without written consent of the interviewee.

Checklist for interviewers

Decide on the topic and ensure that it is suitable, relevant and viable.
Gain permissions to do the project: for students under 18 years old, this includes permission from parent/guardian. Use the Parent permission form provided on the Small Object Big Story website.
Find the most relevant person to interview to get the best information possible.
Contact the interviewee and seek permission for the interview. Reach agreement on how the information may be used or accessed. Use the Participation agreement provided. Send or deliver the Participation agreement to the person to be interviewed, and leave enough time for them to give it some consideration. If the interviewee agrees to participate, then a date and time for the interview should be set.
Prepare a list of ten to twenty relevant questions to ask the interviewee. The questions should be in order and organised into sub-topics before the interview. Practise interviewing before the real interview!

Interview questions

Use the following list as a guide to develop the question you would like to ask the person you are going to interview. The interview should be recorded.

Who originally owned this object?
Has the object belonged to different people? If so, who?
With which country is this object connected?
If from overseas, how did this object travel to Australia?
Who has kept it?
Where has this object been kept? Where was it found?
How has this object been used?
Has it been used in different ways over time? In what ways?
Has this object meant different things to different people, over time? Explain.
Has the object been looked after? If so, how?
Is the object very precious to anyone? Who? Why?
How has the object changed over time?
What stories can be told about this object?

Interview tips

Introductions are important and explain the reason for the interview.
Ask permission to record the interview. If they say no, be prepared to write down the responses.
Ask the interviewee if they have any relevant photographs, objects, or other documents. These act as a memory trigger and often lead to some good stories and information.
Be flexible and willing to take direction from the interviewee as to how they want their information used or accessed.
Do not ask questions which result in a yes/no answer. Allow the person to tell as much as they can. Let them do the talking. The aim is for detailed information and description.
Provide the interviewee with a copy of the interview and ensure it reaches them by the agreed date. This allows them to check that the record of the interview is as they remember it.
Do not use any material in a way that goes against the wishes of the interviewee.