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January 2000
We are in the process of applying for a grant from the HLF for improving access to this museum. Part of the project involves oral history. The HLF have asked us if we 'are aware of the ethics involved in this kind of project'. I have been unable to find a specific code of ethics dealing with this issue and wondered if you could help?
The MA's Code of Ethics does not specifically refer to the ethics of oral history projects, although it does deal generally with the need for sensitivity and promoting the welfare of people in all aspects of museum work.
There is, however, a specialist set of guidelines issued by the Oral History Society, which covers copyright issues as well as responsibilities and obligations beyond legal requirements.
Here are some of the considerations to be borne in mind at various stages of your project, but please consult the Oral History Society and other expert bodies, such as the National Sound Archive, before beginning any work in this area.
Before the interview: make sure you have a fully competent, trained interviewer who will inform the interviewee of the purpose of the interview, and discuss the uses to which it might be put, such as research, publication or as illustrative matter in an exhibition.
During the interview: Are you abiding by the interviewee's preferences as to the location and conduct of the interview? The techniques of oral history recording are not those of investigative journalism: interviewees should be treated with respect and courtesy, and given encouragement and support.
After the interview: The interviewee should be asked to sign a statement indicating clearly the agreed copyright ownership and any restrictions on use (for example public closure for a given period) which the interviewee requires.
The Oral History Society can be contacted at: Department of Sociology, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ.
www.oralhistory.org.uk
The National Sound Archive can be contacted at: National Sound Archive, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB. www.bl.uk
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