The Oral History Manual (American Association for State and Local History)
Authors Barbara Sommer and Mary Kay Quinlan produced a practical guide for those involved in this field. Both have multiple years of experience as oral historians, and the clear, engaging style of this volume fully illustrates their expertise . . . invaluable to anyone involved with oral histories . . . [a] necessary guide for public historians and others involved in research. (Debra A. BlakeNorth Carolina Historical Review, Vol. Lxxx, No. 3, July '03)InThe Oral History ManualBarbara W. Sommer and Mary Kay Quinlan answer nearly any question the budding, or experienced, oral historian could possibly conjure . . . comprehensive but concise . . . Many manuals of style and technique exist, but this is perhaps the most straightforward, easy-to-use, and readily available one on the market . . . given the increasing awareness in primary and secondary schools of the importance of oral history in their curricula, as well as the swelling number of historical societies, private institutions, and individuals interested in the craft of oral preservation, this book should find a place on many a bookshelf. (Porter, Kimberly K.The Annals Of Iowa, Vol. 62, No. 2, Spring 2003)Oral History Manualcertainly merits reading by family historians who are interested in the mechanics of oral interviews. Its authors are extremely knowledgeable oral history technicians . . . it is worth adding to any oral historian's library. (Sheila Benedict, CGRSNational Genealogical Society Quarterly)[A] highly useful manual on oral history . . . an excellent introduction. (Utah Historical Quarterly, Winter 2004, Vol. 72, No. 1)...a how-to guide for mastering the techniques of oral history and methods for collecting and processing the audio results....Quinlan and Sommer provide good, practical advice regarding the interview setting, interview techniques, and processing and care of oral histories. They deal with copyright issues, Internet distribution, interview equipment, project budgets and research preparation. Notes at the end of each chapter provide excellent resources for each of the topics. They also provide appendices with forms for keeping a project organized and obtaining important information as well as a glossary of terms, a tremendously useful annotated bibliography, and an index. (Donna SinclairOregon Historical Quarterly)[A] highly useful manual on oral history . . . an excellent introduction..... (Utah Historical Quarterly, Winter 2004, Vol. 72, No. 1)Covers in good detail all the basic steps of setting up an oral history project. . . . Chapters discuss legal and ethical issues; technology; pre-interview activities such as background research; the interview itself; processing; and preservation of the final product. There is also an extensive list of ideas of how to incorporate the interviewinto public programming. . . . The volume also includes sample forms, a glossary, bibliography, and reprints the principles and standards of the Oral History Association.The Oral History Manualpresents one of the most cogent descriptions of oral history and how it differs from other methods of information gathering, whether the journalist interview or field-interviewing as conducted by folklorists. (Linda Morton-KeithleyNorthwest Oral History Association)Barbara W. Sommer and Mary Kay Quinlan have written a concise yet sophisticated guide for community groups embarking on oral history projects. It is also an excellent resource for seasoned professionals who routinely conduct oral history workshops for historical societies and museums. (Lu Ann JonesOral History Review)