The Lesbian Herstory Archives Self-Directed Oral History Project
Lesbian Herstory Archives
• "Encourage Lesbians to record their experiences in order to formulate our living history"
• Committed to providing access to material from lesbians of all backgrounds
• No barriers on use or inclusion in the
collection
Our Proposal
• Self-directed oral histories • On-site recording booth for visitors
• Standardized bibliographic procedures
• Promotes innovation through digital quality and improved
accessibility. • Gives a voice to under-represented communities.
• Captures a wider record of lesbian experiences. • Opportunities for growth
Collection Overview
Quick Facts:
• Several hundred audio recordings
• Notable holdings: o Mabel Hampton oral historieso Karen Black interviews about Act Upo Audre Lorde public speaking engagements
• Condition Issues:o Repetition of storieso Disrupted narratives; taped-over portionso Dubious audio qualityo Minimal administrative documentation
Methodology & Benefits of a Systematic Approach
“Oral history refers to both a method of recording and preserving oral testimony and to the product of that process.”- Oral History Association (OHA)
• Form an advisory committee that oversees, documents project preparation, working methods and data generated
• Adopt “Best Practices for Oral History” established by OHA
1. Implement the use of three administrative forms:
1. Basic biographical information• Recording information• Oral history questionaire
Implementing the idea• LHA has a very welcoming, home-like atmosphere
• This and the inclusive culture of the LHA will be conducive to
making visitors feel at ease enough to participate in this self-directed oral history project
• Set up a recording station in a small room on 2nd floor - it's quiet
and private • Add a comfortable chair and a table
• On table: work area to fill out interview forms, and a standing
external microphone attached to a digital audio recorder • Exhibit some ephemera
Digital technology• One of several digital recorders
recommended by the OHA is the Tascam DR-100
• User-friendly: single use buttons and a USB connection to computer
• High quality audio at a mid-range price ($430)
• OHA recommends recording uncompressed wav files at a minimum of 16-bit/44.1KHz
• External microphone recommended for highest quality recording
• Recorded files are saved on an SD memory card
Funding• funding needed for this project would primarily be for the start-up
costs ($2000 or much less with some creativity)o purchasing furnitureo recording equipmento hard drives or server storage o additional computer, if necessary
• minimal cost to maintain the project
• LHA's mission states that they seek funding only from the lesbian
community that supports them • Suggestion: hold a benefit event to raise the start-up funds
• We expect that the community would readily embrace this project
and anticipate that the necessary funds would be raised quickly
Opportunities for Growth
- video oral histories: - incorporating webcams - user-generated content - YouTube channel
Outreach
Workshops- - partner with other gay and lesbian community centers and organizations - establish a consistent methodology and process for generating quality tapes
Outreach
- establish booths in other centers - organize booths at special events and conferences - expand the scope of the collection while sharing other resources.