Oral History :: Archiving

Oral History Interview & Importance – Part 30 (Finale)

Archiving

Hamid Qazvini
Translated by Natalie Haghverdian

2017-11-21

The final phase in the oral history interview process is archiving the transcription and audio, video files and all other relevant documents. The objective is to preserve the interview and provide easy and quick user access. This phase requires detailed and applicable and cost-effective planning conducted by a specific method.

The following are of crucial importance:

Manual archiving shall be based on an effective and experimented framework compatible to the needs of the defined project.
Digital archives shall be within a precise and detailed software compatible to the needs of the project and the users.
Manual and digital archives shall be controlled regularly to preserve them against rot and viruses.
Prior to use, an executive order shall be developed and implemented. Any negligence or flexibility in application of the executive order shall compromise the resources and archive operation.
The archive operator or project officials shall inform the interviewer of the relevant principles for them to deliver the files accordingly.
The files shall be coded and then placed in the archives.
A backup copy shall be created to be used in case of damages incurred.
Under no circumstances shall the original file be made available to the users.
The key words shall be printed on all archived files for ease of access.
The archive operator shall have the knowledge and competence and professional capacity to manage the unit.
High commitment is operation and safeguarding the files are key characteristics of an archive operator.
The audio, visual, transcription and other relevant documents of each interview shall be archived in a manner to inform the operator of availability and provide easy access to the users.
Non-digital pertinent documents (photos, documents, objects) shall be maintained properly to be secured against any harm.
Recommendations of the narrator of the interviewer on each file shall be recorded properly to avoid complications for the users. For instance in cases where the narrator or project officials or the interviewer has recommendations on the method of publication or study of the interview.

Closing

The notes titled “Oral history interview and importance” provided in 30 articles by the support of Iran Oral History Site authorities to the audience are concluded. The articles were developed by a junior trainee to answer the lessons taught by professional experts. There are, undoubtedly, faults or shortcomings in these articles which require review and modification to be completed by professional experts and active agents of oral history. Hoping such reviews will be made available to me generously.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 1 - Oral History, Path to Cultural Dialogue

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 2 - Characteristics of an Interviewer

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 3 - Selecting a Subject

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 4 - Narrator Identification & Selection

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 5 - Goal Setting

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 6 - Importance of Pre-interview Data Collection

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 7 - To Schedule & Coordinate an Interview

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 8 - Required Equipment & Accessories

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 9 - Presentation is vital

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 10 - Interview Room

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 11 - Pre-interview Justifications

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 12 - How to Start an Interview