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How to Conduct an Oral History Program | |
Documents
include :- A Guide to Commissioning Oral History
Oral History Association of Australia
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The Sydney Engineering Heritage Oral History Program Since 1991, the Sydney Engineering Heritage
Committee has conducted an oral history program, by tape recording the recollections and
experiences of eminent engineers and others who have had significant engineering
experiences in New South Wales. Over time the committee members that have run this program have learnt much in managing the activities that are required to put together and save the oral history recordings and the documentation that goes with them. All this is required so that this material can be archived in manner that it can be of some use to history researchers in the future. Below in PDF format are a number of documents that can assist you in developing your oral history program Further assistance and inquiries about the program can be made to Michael Clarke, past chair of
Engineering Heritage Australia.
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The Heritage in People - Oral History in Engineering The following is a paper by M. N. Clarke on aspects of the Oral History Program run by the Institution of Engineers and learning's gained from that program over the past 10 years.
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A Guide to Commissioning Oral History Oral
historians are often commissioned to undertake work for others including individuals
voluntary organisation, commercial organisations, government authorities and consultants
such as archaeologists and heritage architects. Depending on the nature of the work, this may involve a process of determination of the task, preparation of the brief, preparation and submission of a proposal, selection of an oral historian or historians, commissioning and then managing the commission. The national standard for oral history is set by the Oral History Handbook by Beth Robertson (3rd edition 1997). The following guide attempts only to list all the points connected with commissioning and conducting an oral history project. For details of technique and practice, reference to the Oral History Handbook is essential.
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Tendering for Oral History Increasingly, oral historians
are being asked to tender/quote for commissions by large organisations including
government authorities. However, many are not used to bidding for work and do not
appreciate what is required. Nor do they understand the constraints on their clients that
may influence the brief or specification for the work, and the manner in which the tenders
will be processed and the contract awarded. This paper is not a prescription, which if followed
will assure oral historians of success when tendering. Rather, it is designed to enhance
both their understanding of the principles involved and their chances of success.
Tendering in a business-like way, will also elevate their standing as professionals, and
will increase the awareness of clients of the value of oral history and of what is
involved in undertaking successful commissions. For convenience, throughout the paper the terminology relating to “tendering” will include the process of submitting quotations, and the term “client” will be used to designate individuals or organisations that seek tenders for oral history work.
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| Other References
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Page last updated 25 April, 2007 |
