This value is enhanced by the inclusion of information about the place of origin of interviewees' parents and about the geographical and social movements of interviewees. With what weight the secondary analyst uses the three components of the archive, the sound recordings, the complete transcripts, and the thematic segments, depends upon his or her purpose, for example life histories or single areas of experience. The tapes and transcripts from 'Family Life and Work Experience before 1918' were archived as the Oral History Archive at the University of Essex in 1973. In 1996, Qualidata facilitated the transfer of the tapes to the British Library's National Sound Archive. The original Transcripts, including the cut and pasted thematic segments, remain accessible at the University of Essex.
Access is by appointment only and is free to bona fide researchers.
There were at least 88 secondary users between 1973 and 1996, originating not only from this country but also from Italy, Canada, the USA, Australia and Greece. This has led to the data being used in many books, articles and BA, MA and PhD theses. McGill-Queen's University Press, 1992. Manchester University Press, 1973. Oxford University Press, 1985.