Exploring the landscape of web oral history collections: A content analysis

Abstract

Research problem: Digital oral history collections are increasingly being disseminated by heritage institutions via the Internet. Though the promises of networked access to oral history are great, they are not without perils. Contemporary discourse in the field includes discussions of how oral history can best be presented online, yet little quantitative research exists on current practices of web distribution. This exploratory research project investigated the ways in which oral history is being presented online by heritage organisations.

Methodology: The research had a quantitative weighting. A content analysis was conducted to investigate the characteristics of online oral history collections. Data were gathered from a sample of 40 websites providing direct access to oral history source material. Descriptive statistics identified patterns across the sample.

Results: A wide variety of heritage organisations worldwide are currently providing web access to oral history through searchable databases and via simple websites. Few sites were employing delivery systems that allow flexible, multi-modal access. Sites dedicated to oral history collections were more likely to provide clear copyright and ethical information, and medium-sized collections were better promoted. Many sites included secondary material to enhance digital oral history collections.

Implications: Communities of practice could be expanded to recognise the increasing involvement of community organisations in web delivery of oral history material. Some recommendations are made for improvements to web delivery for oral history.