Review
The Oral History Manual is a great companion for those planning, or teaching others to plan, oral history projects.On page 113 Sommer and Quinlan say that ‘all those who use oral history . . . should strive
for intellectual honesty’ and I believe that with this reference manual on hand, those new to the field, those assisting in the field and those who have been doing oral history for a while can learn something, achieve this intellectual honesty and successfully capture oral histories. ― Archives and Records: The Journal of the Archives and Records Association
The 3rd edition of TheOral History Manual retains its concise and logical framework of the core of oral history practice while adding extended context for ethical and legal considerations, updates to technological considerations, and addressing the boundaries of oral history in contrast with story movements in current popular culture. It continues to be a standard in communities and classrooms. -- Sarah Milligan, Head, Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, Hyle Family Endowed Professor, Oklahoma State University Library
For almost a decade, The Oral History Manual has served as the foundation for every oral history workshop I’ve given at the local, state, and national levels. This new edition will continue to be the foundational text for me, and many others, for the next decade to come. -- Jeff D. Corrigan, Assistant Librarian, California State University Monterey Bay
Oral historians Barbara Sommer and Mary Kay Quinlan have done it again. In less than 300 pages they lay out the roadmap for practicing ethical oral history in the complex 21st century, then explain best practices for each stage along the way. A must for the bookshelves of libraries, oral history programs, and practitioners at all levels. -- Nancy MacKay, Oral historian, Editor of Practicing Oral History series
About the Author
Barbara W. Sommer, M.A.,has spent her career in the field of oral history and public history, serving as historical organization director and director or co-director for numerous oral history projects. She has presented at state, regional, and national, and international conferences and has taught oral history in post-secondary and community settings. She is a long-time member of the Oral History Association where she has served in several leadership positions. Sommer is the author of the award-winning Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.
Mary Kay Quinlan, Ph.D.,is anassociate dean in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also has taught at the University of Maryland and Nebraska Wesleyan University. She is editor of the Oral History Association Newsletter and has been active in regional and national oral history activities for many years.
Quinlan has conducted oral history workshops and presented at state, regional, national and international conferences.
