History Department

Oral History: Do It Yourself!

Oral History >> Guide

Why the guide?

	How to Use It You can download the ISJL Oral History Guide as a complete .pdf document (coming soon), or browse individual chapters through our website. Introduction Technology Technique Recording Archiving Laws and Ethics Notes and Appendices

While the ISJL is proud of its oral history collection and continues to conduct new interviews throughout the American South, we cannot be everywhere at once.  Fortunately, many local Jewish organizations have undertaken their own oral history programs, most often under the direction of part-time or volunteer staff.

After speaking with several of these dedicated historians and archivists, we decided to produce a guide to conducting oral history interviews with Southern Jews. This document is largely dedicated to simplifying technological issues for local researchers who may not be familiar with newer digital technologies, but it also covers topics related to conducting, recording and archiving interviews, as well as ethical and legal considerations for oral history research.

Additionally, we have provided resources for further information on all aspects of oral history, both throughout the guide and on the Notes and Appendices page. Links to individual chapters can be found in the box above.

It's Still Growing!

The first sections of the guide—"Technology,""Technique," and "Recording"—were launched in May, 2010, and were followed shortly by the "Notes and Appendices" page.  Check back in coming months for new material and further updates.