Oral History
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Oral History
A beginner's guide
“History is all around us, in our own families and communities, in the living memories and the experiences of older people. We have only to ask them and they can tell us enough stories to fill a library of books. This kind of history – that we all gather as we go through life – is called ORAL HISTORY”
- The Oral History Society
Getting started
There are several guides on how to get started doing Oral History available online:
Guide for beginners by the Oral History SocietyLink opens in a new window
Introduction to Oral History by the University of LeicesterLink opens in a new window
Oral History in the Digital Age: Getting StartedLink opens in a new window
Judith Moyer, Step-by-Step Guide to Oral History (1993, Revised 1999)Link opens in a new window
Collections
Many archives hold oral history collections. Larger collections include:
British Library Oral History CollectionLink opens in a new window
British Library SoundsLink opens in a new window
East Midlands Oral History ArchiveLink opens in a new window
Imperial War Museum Sound ArchiveLink opens in a new window
Or why not check out sound recordings held at the Modern Record Centre.Link opens in a new window
Further reading
Where to go for further information on Oral History:
Bodleian Library: Guide to resourcesLink opens in a new window
'The making of oral history' by Graham SmithLink opens in a new window
Oral History Society blogLink opens in a new window