Documents and Forms
All oral history interviews are a collaboration between the narrator (the individual sharing their stories and memories) and the interviewer (the individual asking questions and listening to the narrator), both of whom bring their respective knowledge of events, situations, and experiences to the table. This collaboration between narrator and interviewer is known as "shared authority." Together, the narrator and interviewer create a valuable historical source (the interview), and this creation must be facilitated by proper legal and ethical documentation to respect and protect both parties. Below the HOHI staff have provided documents and forms to assist all researchers in preparing their interviews.
Consent and Release Form
Every interview conducted must have a consent and release form signed by the narrator and interviewer. Until a consent and release form is signed, the narrator retains the copyright to the interview, thus the HOHI cannot make the interview accessible to future researchers and the general public. Narrators must explicitly consent to being voluntarily interviewed and to their interview's donation to the HOHI.
Oral History Interview Data Sheet
This form is intended to provide HOHI staff and volunteers with general information about the content of the interview, the type of interview, and biographical details about the narrator. This document should be filled out at the conclusion of each interview and submitted with all final interview materials, transcripts, and consent and release forms to the HOHI.