Getting Started with Oral History

These are some useful items and equipment to consider bringing to your oral history interview:

• Recording device (such as a smart phone or the portable recorder in the BPL Oral History Backpack)
• Microphone
• Laptop + charger
• Any applicable recording software loaded onto your laptop
• Extension cord
• 2 sets of the correct size batteries
• Camera
• Release forms (2 copies: one for the interviewer/oral historian and one for the narrator)
• Pen
• Paper
• Outline of topics/questions
• Historical chronology pertaining to the time period and place(s) of your narrator's life

• Keep fresh batteries and/or your charger on you if you have a dedicated recorder. If possible, ensure that each time you record you are using fresh batteries or plugged in to prevent the possibility of running out of juice!
• Check that you have enough storage in your device for a new recording. Depending on your device and the format of your recording file, try to keep at least 4GB of space for a 2-hour interview recording.
• Ensure that the microphone/recording device is directed at the speaker as much as possible. If you have several speakers and only one device, place the device between the speakers.
• Consider placing your recording device on an elevated platform (like a set of books on top of a table). This helps to ensure that you avoid introducing additional noise into your recording. For example, if you place your recorder directly on the table, small movements like placing hands on the table can create noises that wind up in your recording.
• Try to record in a space that is relatively quiet. Your recording device will pick up sound that you may not hear, generating some white noise in your recording background.
• Conduct a 30-second test recording between you and your narrator. Play back the recording before you begin your formal interview. This will allow you to ensure that the recorder works and that the microphones are picking up the voices well. Checking the playback immediately also gives you the opportunity to change and move the recorder to better pick up voices if necessary. Take this opportunity to do some ice-breaking and building rapport before launching into the interview.

Adapted from GC Digital Scholarship Lab, "Getting the Best Recording (within your budget) for your Interview", 2019.

The BPL now offers circulating Oral History Backpacks at participating branches. These backpacks contain equipment and guidance for creating an oral history project from scratch.

The following slideshow provides visual information about the equipment included in the BPL Oral History Backpack. To borrow a backpack, please visit the catalog record using the link below to see availabilities at your local library branches.

If you have questions or run into difficulty with your equipment or project, please email us at communityhistory@bpl.org. We’re here to help!

The following web resources also contain guidance for choosing and operating oral history equipment:

• "Ask Doug" - Features interactive online guidance and advice from digital expert Doug Boyd on finding the right oral history equipment
• Vermont Folklife Center Equipment Guides - Offers guidance about recording equipment and interview techniques
• Beginners Guide to Writing - Reviews oral history equipment based on budget and accessibility