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Oral History Step-by-Step

By , About.com Guide

8 of 8

Wait! You're Not Done Yet

Just because you've turned the recorder off doesn't mean the interview is over. Now is the time to say thank you, to chat about what you've learned together, and sometimes to hear even more stories. Be sure that the interviewee understands what you plan to do with the interview and is comfortable with the arrangements.

If you have recorded the interview, label everything - every side of every tape, the spine of the cassette box, and your interview notes. If you have multiple tapes, mark what tape it is (i.e. "tape 1 of 3").

Once you're back home, sit down and make a transcription of your interview. Then send a copy to the interviewee along with a thank you note.

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