Oral History Program: Oral History Resources

The Oral History Association (OHA) defines oral history as "a field of study and a method of gathering, preserving and interpreting the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants in past events."

According to celebrated oral historian Alessandro Portelli, "Oral history changes the wiring of history much as the modern novel transformed the writing of literary fiction: the most important change is that the narrator is now pulled into the narrative and becomes part of the story."

The Oral History Association is a professional organization for those engaged in oral history practice. OHA has wonderful resources for beginners and experts alike.

The Oral History Association (OHA) maintains principles and best practices for doing oral history.

Baylor University's Institute for Oral History provides a great introductory manual.

A helpful styleguide from Columbia University for creating and editing oral history transcripts.

A great bibliography from Columbia University with readings on oral history from a number of disciplines and perspectives.

Although oral history research is often exempt, check with your institution's IRB before beginning any research involving human subjects or participants.

Learn more about IRB regulations and guidelines.

Great resource for learning about oral history methodology and tech. Check out the "Ask Doug" feature for recording equipment recommendations.