In the Shenandoah Valley Oral History Project students will plan, individually conduct and transcribe two hours of interviews with at least two people from marginalized communities. Prior to conducting the interviews, students will prepare and submit an interview guide for approval. An average typist should expect to spend approximately eight hours transcribing a one-hour interview. The transcriptions will each range between fifteen and twenty pages in length. Students will also maintain and turn in a background journal with their final materials. Transcripts will be delivered to the interviewees, and when possible students should obtain release forms. Assuming the interviews are of acceptable quality, the recordings, transcripts, background journals, interview guides, field notes, photographs and release forms will be deposited in the Special Collections Department of Carrier Library. The transcripts will be uploaded to the course Blackboard discussion page so other students can use the materials for their final projects. When release forms allow, recordings will be posted on the public history server. More detailed guidelines will be presented throughout the semester.
Important Links and Forms:
1. Release Forms
The release form allows the interviewer to use the interview in future projects. If the interview is archived, the Carrier Library will also need to have the release form on file in order to allow other researchers in the future to use the material. If the individual being interviewed has no problems making her or his interview broadly accessible, use the public domain form. If they would like to have restrictions on the future use of the interview, but they would like to have it archived then use the Carrier Library form and explicitly list what the restrictions are. Try an make the restrictions narrow enough to meet the needs of the interviewee while maintaining as much access as possible to the interview.
Interview Release Forms: Public Domain or Carrier Library
2. Digital Recorder Manual
This manual will provide you with detailed instructions on how to use the digital recorders.
Marantz PMD 660: Manual
3. Transcription
The transcription will take about eight hours and the final transcript will be around 15 to 20 pages long. The transcripts and summaries will be posted on Blackboard in order to make them accessible to the other students for their final papers.
Express Scribe allows you to use your keyboard to control the playback of your recording while you are transcribing it. You can also slow down or speed up the playback with this software.
Transcription Software - Express Scribe (Freeware): http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/
Express Scribe Quick Guide: Click here
Use this template for your transcription.
Transcription Cover Sheet Template: Click Here
Use the Baylor University Institute for Oral History style guide.
BUIOH Style Guide: Click Here
4. Audio Editing
Audacity will allow you to edit your interviews and produce sophisticated radio documentaries and websites.
Audio Editing Software - Audacity (Freeware): http://audacity.sourceforge.net/./