COMMON METHODOLOGY
TO COLLECT
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
(Skills & Stories)
Jointly developed by the INTERREG IVB funded SHARE Project and written by Guillaume Foucault and Ryan Barry
The SHARE project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the
INTERREG IVB North West Europe Programme to promote strong and prosperous communities.
COMMON METHODOLOGY TO COLLECT
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
Methodology Overview:
Section 1:INTRODCUTIONPage 3
1.1Evolution of a PracticePage 3
1.2A Vague Definition Page 3
1.3Limitations to ConsiderPage 3
1.4A New Source of HistoryPage 4
Section 2:STEP 1: PREPERATION OF THE CAMPAIGNPage 4
2.1Project Definition and ObjectivesPage 4
2.2Roles & ResponsibilitiesPage 4
2.3Intellectual PreparationPage 5
2.4Use of WitnessesPage 5
2.5The Choice of Method UsedPage 5
2.6Assignment of ContractPage 6
Section 3:STEP 2: RUNNING MAINTENANCE Page 6
3.1Comfortable EnvironmentPage 6
3.2Choice of Recording EquipmentPage 7
3.3Lead MaintenancePage 7
Section 4:STEP 3: MAINTENANCETREATMENT Page 7
4.1Personal Information SheetPage 7
4.2File ArchivePage 8
4.3Sequencing Page 8
4.4IndexingPage 8
4.5Research Instrument Page 8
4.6Retention of RecordsPage 8
Section 5:STEP 4: VALUE Page 9
5.1Webcast InternetPage 9
5.2Use of Cultural Events Page 9
5.3Educational ActivitiesPage 9
SECTION 1: INTRODCUTION1.1 Evolution of a Practice:
The establishment of archival oral testimonies emerged in the United States during the Second World War, as the U.S. government wanted to sustain the legacy and stories of the army, and its importance in terms of historical practices for future generations. In Europe, the popularity of oral archives began to appear from 1960's with an increasing numberof individuals and organisations undertaking pioneering work in the field. More recently, the project "Voices for Europe", completed in April 2000, which collected and preserved the testimonies of men and women who participated in the construction of Europe is deemed an exemplar in terms of recent 'best practice' regarding uses of new technologies during he turn of the century which has again evolved further with more recent collections extending to other areas such as politics, economics, the arts and sciences to name but a few.
1.2 A Vague Definition:
The term 'oral testimonies' are now considered 'oral archives' and sometimes come under the presence of 'written records' in some countries. This ambiguity in the terms illustrates the lack of a clear definition of oral archives. However, many researchers agree on the fact that the oral archives are "oral evidence for the purpose of scientific literature." Oral archives are also characterised by their status as "archival caused" unlike written records arising primarily from human activity.
The terminology 'testimony' is the result of an interaction between a witness and a collector. The objective of the campaign is the development of an archive or documentary corpus, consisting of several oral testimonies. it is generally recognised that isolated testimonies surrounding a specific story, area or event are worthless as they can be seen as being one-dimensional, misconstrued and deemed biased. Several testimonies allow interviewers to compare points of view and to identify collective history.
1.3 Limitations to Consider:
The use of witness testimonies and their stories, memories and experiences give an undeniable boost to new, innovative historical archives and their constant evolution utilising new media and technological advances. Previously, the more dogmatic historians sometimes are more reluctant to face this new source of archiving that they perceive lacks scientific basis.
Considering this, the documentation developed for the purpose of pre-investigation of oral testimoniesaccuse the system of being anachronistic, retrospective, distorted, subjective and difficult to verify withthe subjectivity of each partner is often denounced. This isemphasised by Danièle Voldman who states the process as being "a game of hide and seek between the historian [the collector] and its partner (...) where two subjectivities come together to illuminate all that to cover their tracks".
1.4 A New Source of History:
The use of oral archives were initially used to give a voice to those individuals who usually would not have the opportunity to do so (pre 1960's general workers, women, traditional artisans) as their respective stories were not recognised as being important or prominent compared to upper classes or high-profile people. With the emergence and accessibility of newly developed techniques and a compassionate understanding regarding general stories being sustained individuals now have access to ensuring their own oral history and existence is prolonged; and in a majority of cases without the use of a paper-trail. This newly emerged ethos of intangible storytelling and collection of information offers historians new territories to explore and enhance. Oral testimony helped open up the supremacy of writing and provide new tools for understanding history. Finally, oral archives provide a human dimension and extra emotional. It exudes an emotion that cannot be transcribed on paper: the tone of voice, silences, hesitations
SECTION 2: STEP 1 - PREPERATION OF THE CAMPAIGN
2.1 Project Definition and Objectives:
Preparation is key in all aspects of research and collation activities and defining key outcomes as part of a strategic process is imperative in terms of collecting intangible stories and skills from individuals. Through a process of joint planning and pilot initiatives SHARE Project partners defined the context in which the project takes place, utilising the existence of collective memories in order to safeguard key stories and lessen the demand on the historians / collector. Also key to this process is the anticipation of proposed problems or barriers to obtaining set objectives and identifying these issues beforehand incorporating alternatives will benefit the outcome significantly and ensure the exercise runs as smoothly as possible.
2.2 Roles & Responsibilities:
Having clear and defined outlines of responsibility in any collation exercise is important from both the perspective of the interviewer/s and interviewee/s. Setting a structure and understanding that outlines the roles of both entities is also imperative to the campaign with all parties feeling comfortable with what is expected of them and the needs put upon them from the outset. From a collation perspective these roles and responsibilities are outlined below:
A project manager, whose main missions are based on:
- The definition of objectives.
- Technical and scientific management of the project.
- The definition and the proposed work program.
- Ensuring the cohesion of the team.
Raising campaign can be conducted by one or more collectors. Their main missions:
- The establishment of a documentation about the subject,
- The development of grid service,
- Conducting interviews
- Treatment of interviews.
2.3 Intellectual Preparation:
During a campaign of oral archiving there is a requirement for careful intellectual preparation from the project manager and respective team members linked to the exercise. Apart from having a general knowledge of associated history (or story) it is also essential that the interviewer has pre-set knowledge of the socio-economic issue with is essential to further engage with the interviewee/s. Furthermore, having the capacity and confidence to ask intriguing questions outside of the set programme is an important aspect in the process of information gathering as it is recognised that all stories are not one dimensional and straight forward.
2.4 Use of Witnesses:
Define the axes of the project team to determine the people to interview according to the studied object / interviewee/s. Also, there is a need to increase the number of contacts necessary to collect different viewpoints surrounding the storyline / historical event with the witnesses selected determining the type of maintenance which will inevitably need to be undertaken.
When initially contacting any witness considerations need to be given for the following:
- Market the opportunity in the area you wish to cover using a number of mechanisms.
- Talk to prominent individuals at key locations within an outlined area (business owners, elders).
- Never cold-call identified individuals (on a face-to-face basis).
- Contact individuals using a letter to appeal for their testimony outlining the exercise or use recognised community members to make potential interviewees aware of the project.
- Telephone contact and / or visit beforehand to initiate a sense of respect, build on an understanding and develop a relationship prior to the interview.
2.5 The Choice of Method Used:
The choice of methodology is dependent on the objectives defined above and the pre-determined witness involved in the campaign. Ensuring flexibility and hybridisation between different methods if important, complemented by an ethos of adaptability regarding the first results are recommended.
Maintenance directive:
- Interview precise and detailed.
- Questions are not open-ended (closure questions)
- Collection of information with little interaction with the witness.
The non-directive interview:
- The witness is free to say what they want incorporating a non-judgemental style set-out prior to the interview taking place.
- Results difficult to quantify.
The semi-structured interview:
- Good compromise between a monologue and the questioning of the witness from the collector.
- Some questions are asked of all witnesses, others only according to some pre-defined issues.
- The collector guides the witness with pre-determined questions, ending in closure.
2.6 Assignment of Contract:
Signinga legal contract of 'assignment of rights' or what is transnationally recognised as being a 'confidentiality agreement' with set parameters is highly recommended; even essential in some cases due to the fact that permission to distribute the information, control its dissemination and enhance the interviewee's testimony.
The contract must include the following:
- The identity of each speaker.
- The legal status of each contact (control and collection) as well as the sponsoring organization when there is one.
- The rights and obligations of each party.
- The definition of the rights granted by the witness and their conditions of use.
SECTION 3: STEP 2 - RUNNING MAINTENANCE:
3.1 Comfortable Environment:
Ensuring the interviewee is comfortable within the presented environment is paramount to ensuring that the collection of information is free-flowing, open and fruitful in terms of information.
Though joint communication from the SHARE Partnership there is an agreement that several places are possible to hold such interview, each with their own merits and shortfalls; dependant on the interviewee/s. these are:
- The office of collector
- The residence of the witness
- Places frequented by the witness (café, public house, community building etc.).
If we consider the use of the office of the proposed collector then it will portray an element of formality, professionalism and structure with insurances placed surrounding a quiet working environment with no interference from the outside world. However, this instance of working may intimidate certain individuals, affecting the level of information obtained.
Using the home of the witness will be reassuring for their mind-set and from a physiological perspective give the interviewee a feeling of confidence and control as realistically, the interviewer / collector will be seen to be out of their own 'comfort zone' by the interviewee.
The home also has the advantage of surrounding the witness with artefacts, familiar objects and photographs which further trigger memories or act as a 'refresh' mechanismsallowing the collector to understand the interviewee's personality. However, the collector must remain vigilant that outside involvement does not occur (on occasions) with the collector having no real control regarding people present (family or friends). Also, the interviewee must ensure that this does not monopolise the stories being told or unconsciously compels the witness to consider self-censorship.
With regards to places frequented by the witness compared to using the interviewee home for instance there is a great balance of familiarity and openness. The parameter of the environment cannot be pre-determined and in most occasions be unpredictable in terms of outside interference or exterior engagement. However, this familiar setting coupled by the interviews willingness to open up (due to non-family members present for instance or 'self-censorship') should instil an receptive dialogue.
3.2 Choice of Recording Equipment:
When choosing the types of recording equipment to be used for any oral campaign Project Managers must be aware of certain factors which will assist in the smooth running of the interview. These are as follows:
- Use both a video camera and Dictaphone if possible.
- Ensure the video camera can be gripped well (or set-up on a tripod) and the device is easy to use.
- The quality of the recording is high with good sound and post-production editing capabilities.
3.3 Lead Maintenance:
Making contact and pre-visit are important to build a trusting relationship between the witness and the collector. Before you start recording, it is advisable to have an informal conversation with the witness regarding the process used. This allows time to put the informant at ease and point themes for further development. The recorded interview begins with a sentence introducing the witness, followed by open-ended questions to allow for the development of the interviewee's "running memory".
SECTION 4: STEP 3 - MAINTENANCETREATMENT:
4.1 Personal Information Sheet:
Prior to any interview each of the witnesses should receive a predetermined fact sheet with an outline objective and expectations. This will allow the testimony to be more scientific in terms of process management and ensure the information collated can be analysed in the correct manner. Below is a list, based on the experiences of the SHARE partners consisting of key sections which need to be considered when developing a proposed 'fact sheet' for potential witnesses. These are:
- Reference.
- The title of testimony.
- The date and place of recording.
- Physical description (sound recording, track number, time and language).
- The name of the collector and the witness.
- Presentation of content.
- The legal status.
- Conditions of use.
- Outline of confidentially issues (if any).
4.2 File Archive:
From both an audit / safeguarding and process management perspective it is agreed that best practice stipulates that the Project Management Team establish and maintain an archive file consisting of all forms of evidence, paperwork and legal documents: considerations include:
- Registration forms / contact information.
- The grid maintenance.
- Information collected on the witness.
- The legal contract.
- Sources.
- Photographs (of interviewee and possible subject matters).
4.3 Sequencing:
Sequencing is to cut the recordings in sequences or specific tracks. It is a process widely used not just by the SHARE partners but generally in the oral archiving field and incorporates easy access for maintenance. This exercise is divided into three points:
- Listen and take notes integral to a panorama of themes.
- Definition of key themes and their timing.
- Use editing software to cut the sequences established.
4.4 Indexing:
Indexing is a process of analysis and transcription of the contents of a document in a language documentation to allow a search by topic. This is a "key input" in the fund, however, indexing remains a challenge. The indexing is characterized by the use of a specific vocabulary contained in authority lists. For oral archives, the SHARE partnership uses a number of tools and methods where possible. These are:
- A list of the national or international authority.
- The identified authorities list of words established by the service.
- A free indexing.
4.5 Research Instrument:
Writing a research instrument is essential to making any possible fundsavailable, fixed by some form of constitution. The rankings can be chronologically or thematically set-out and consist of the facilitation of research with a name index being very useful.
4.6 Retention of Records:
To minimise the loss of information, it is recommended to keep the audio files on two separate supports files, ideally in separate locations if possible (physical buildings or using online storage facilities. The rationale behind this process is two-fold:
- For permanent preservation
- Consultation
The archivist must take into account the rapid evolution of digital technology. Data migration to new media limits the risk of not being able to read documents (see standards and regularly reviews the archives). For instance, storage of CDs in premises should consider the folowing:
- Temperaturesbetween 16°C and 23°C.
- Relative humidity between 30% and 50%.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight and dust.
SECTION 5: Value:
5.1 Webcast Internet:
Extracts of maintenance can be posted on a website or a blog specifically dedicated to the project. Such a tool can also enhance the accessibility and scope to many more testimonies.
5.2 Use of Cultural Events:
Experiences of SHARE partners have seen the use of cultural events, exhibitions and conferences as being the perfect mechanisms to advertise / showcase the stories being told. Also, these events cultivate further stories from attendees with instances of additional oral campaigns thereafter.
5.3 Educational Activities:
The use of educational workshops for pupil / students should be implemented in relevant regions, providing that the documentary / storyillustrate aspects of the curriculum. However, in many cases identified by the SHARE partners, educational facilities will incorporate regional stories as part of a complementary learning exercise for students.
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