What am I supposed to do after the interview is over?
An oral historian's job doesn't end when the interview is over. This checklist will help you after the recorder is turned off. Most of these steps begin the task of preparing the interview for others to have access to it.
- Sign the release form as soon as the interview is over. It's a good idea to take a photograph of the narrator in the interview setting for the master file. Remember that black-and-white photos have a longer archival life than color photos.
- Thank the narrator.
- Pack the equipment so it will be ready for another interview.
- Label the recording media (CDs or tapes) with the name of the narrator and the date of the interview. Be sure to mark sides A and B of analog cassette tapes, and number the media if more than one was used.
- If you used analog cassettes, pop out the two tabs on the back edge of the cassette housing to prevent them from being mistakenly recorded over.
- Make the use copies from the masters and label them.
- Write the narrator a thank you letter. Include a copy of the interview.
- Fill out the Interview Information Form documenting the names of the narrator and interviewer, the number of tapes or CDs used, the signing of the release form, and a brief list of the information covered in the interview.
- Process the interview to prepare it and its accompanying materials for deposit in the repository and so others will have access to the information (for details, see Section 10).
- If part of a project, turn all materials over to the project director.
When the entire project is complete, . .
- Deposit the materials in the repository;
- Prepare news releases or any other publicity related to the project;
- Arrange and execute any post-project events or presentations;
- Throw a party for everyone involved!