Interviewer

Job Description: Interviewers for the Oral History of Houston Project (OHHP) will work with the program director to conduct a series of coordinated Oral History interviews with notable Houstonians who 1.) reflect the diversity and rich culture of the city and whose stories are underrepresented or omitted from the written record; 2.) leaders or innovators in business, community, or professional roles; or 3.) Houstonians who were eyewitnesses or participants in historical events effecting the greater Houston and Texas Gulf Coast areas.

Qualifications: Interviewers must complete an Oral History Training Workshop or an Oral History course through the Center for Public History or other accredited organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Pre-interview

1. Read the “Oral History Best Practices” document located on this page
2. Create list of potential interviewees
3. Make initial contact and schedule appointment
4. Conduct background research and compose list of talking points or questions
5. Check out audio or video equipment, and scanner from the OHHP (if necessary)
6. Become familiar with your equipment, verify that it is in working order, and ensure recording volumes are at appropriate levels

B. Conduct interview

1. Arrive on time
2. Set-up equipment
3. Collect release form(s) and other materials
4. Conduct interview (periodically check to ensure equipment is recording)
5. Thank interviewee for participating in the project
6. If relevant, scan photos shared by the interviewee

C. Post-interview

1. Download the interview and photos (if scanned) to the OHHP computer
2. Create folder listing interviewee name, project name, and interviewer name
3. In the file place release form and additional photos or materials from the interviewee
4. Edit the transcript while listening to the entire interview
5. Create a cover page using the template of the OHHP
6. Complete the file with a hard copy of the edited transcript and cover page

Interviewee

You are being asked to participate in the "Oral History of

You will be asked to participate in an interview of 60-90 minutes in length.  This interview will be recorded with audio or video equipment.  Copies of the interview along with a transcript will be deposited in the permanent collections at the Houston History Archives in the Special Collections Department, M.D. Anderson Library, University of Houston.  Digital copies of the interview may also be placed online with the University of Houston Digital Library (digital.lib.uh.edu). 

While the interview is not expected to elicit any emotional reactions, the interview may be stopped at any time if you request to do so. While you will not directly benefit from participation in this project, your participation will help future researchers better understand Houston's history. The results of this study may be published in professional journals. It may also be used for educational purposes or for professional presentations. Your name will be included in the interview and all published materials. You may restrict usage of parts of your interview. Those restrictions should be specified on an attached form.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Natalie Garza in the Center for Public History at the University of Houston.  You may reach her by phone at 713-743-2342 or email at nmgarza2@uh.edu.