Oral History In Pustaka Negeri Sarawak

Introduction

Oral History Division is currently under Pustaka Institute starting March 2024.

Oral History Division. From left: Muhammad Shahrul Bahro, Nadzrah Othman & Zainal Ali

Oral history is a method in which the memento of a person who was recorded in an interview. The chosen figures are usually those who can contribute historical information from their own involvement and experience, or because of their direct contact with certain characters, times or events. The information obtained from the interview is then recorded and can be used as a teaching and research material. Oral History project has been organised and conducted since the year 2002.

== Elements of a Good Oral History Interview ==

• Solid preparation
• A professional and respectful approach
• The best possible sound quality
• A signed release form authorizing use of the story
• Best possible preservation of recordings
• Access to recordings and transcripts

"What I bring to the interview is RESPECT. The person recognizes that you respect them because you are listening. And because you are listening they feel good about talking to you." - Studs Terkel -

How To Start?

Basically, Oral History can be done through three (3) phases :

1. Before the interview session
   
2. During the interview session
   
3. After the interview session
   

BEFORE		DURING		AFTER
_______________________________		_______________________________		__________________
Selection of subject / interviewee / interviewer for the project.		Conduct & coordinate the sessions accordingly.		Transcript
		Ensure all the forms has been signed and the recording session successfully recorded		Preservation