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Contents
I. IntroductionII. GettingStartedIII. RecordingtheConversationIV. PreservingtheConversationV. HowtoMaintainaSuccessfulProgramVI. Resources&Tools
ParticipantsatGreensboroPublicLibraryaftertheirinterviewsessioninGreensboro,NC.
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I. INTRODUCTION
StoryCorps@yourlibrary(SCL)isaprogramcreatedbytheAmericanLibraryAssociation(ALA)inpartnershipwiththenationalnonprofitStoryCorps,andfundedbyagrantfromtheInstituteforMuseumandLibraryServices(IMLS).Initspilotyear,SCLtrainedpubliclibrariansacrossthecountrytorecordthestoriesoftheircommunitiesandtousethosestoriestocreatemulti-formatpublicprogrammingonbroadthemesoforalnarrative,aswellaslocalandfamilyhistory.
TheStoryCorpsinterviewmodelfosterscommunicationbypromotingtheimportanceoflistening,andwe’vefoundthatlisteningtoothers’storiescanbejustaspowerfulassharingone’sownstory.Themodelestablishesasacredspacefortwopeoplewhoknoweachothertospeakfor40uninterruptedminutesaboutwhatmatterstothemmost.BecauseeveryStoryCorpsinterviewisrecorded,itcanbepreservedandsharedforyearstocome.Wehopethatourmodelmightproveusefultolibrariansbeginninginterviewcollectionprogramsattheirinstitutions.
Followingtheprogram’spilotyear,StoryCorpsandtheAmericanLibraryAssociationcreatedthisguidetosupportlibrariesinthecreationofaninterviewcollectionprogram.Itisourhopethatthisguidewillprovidelibrarieswithinspirationandtoolsandresourcestobegincollectingtheimportantstorieswithintheirowncommunities.Librariansareinvitedtousetheseresourcestoplanandpresentengagingprograms,whiletappingintotheexpertiseandpublicappealoftheStoryCorpsmodel,thenationallyrespectedprogrammingmodelssupportedbytheALA,andthebestpracticesdevelopedbyexperiencedprogramminglibrariansduringSCL’spilotphase.
LikemanyotherorganizationsthathavecollaboratedwithStoryCorpsoverthepast10years,librariesarewellpositionedtousetheinterviewsthattheycollectascommunicationtoolsandtoraisevisibilityandawarenessoftheimportanceoflibrarieswithintheircommunities.CreatingaprograminspiredbyStoryCorps@yourlibraryoffersanidealopportunitytoforgenew
localpartnerships,engagenewaudiences,andattractadditionalsourcesoffunding.Weencourageyoutouseourmodelasaguidetocraftaprogramthatwillbenefityouandyourpatrons.However,pleasedonotethatbyusingthistoolkit,yourinstitutionwillnotbegrantedaccesstotheStoryCorpsdatabase,begivenpermissiontousetheStoryCorpsbrandname,orotherwisebesupportedbyStoryCorpsstaffineditingandarchivingeffortsrelatedtotheinterviewsyoucapture.
WeinviteyoutoshareyourexperiencesusingthisguidetopresentSCLprogramsbyemailingpublicprograms@ala.org.
StoryCorpsstaffandvolunteersatBellmoreMemorialLibraryinBellmore,NewYork.
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ABOUT STORYCORPS
StoryCorpsisanindependentnonprofitwhosemissionistoprovidepeopleofallbackgroundsandbeliefswiththeopportunitytorecord,share,andpreservethestoriesofourlives.Since2003,StoryCorpshascollectedandarchivedmorethan50,000interviewswithover90,000Participants.EachconversationisrecordedonafreeCDtoshare,andispreservedattheAmericanFolklifeCenterattheLibraryofCongress.StoryCorpsisoneofthelargestoralhistoryprojectsofitskind,andmillionslistentoourweeklybroadcastsonNPR’sMorning Edition andonourListen pages.
TheStoryCorpsprogramremindsusofoursharedhumanity,strengthensandbuildstheconnectionsbetweenpeople,teachesthevalueoflistening,andweavesintothefabricofourculturetheunderstandingthateverylifematters.Atthesametime,theinterviewswecollectserveasaninvaluablearchiveofAmericanvoicesandwisdomforfuturegenerations.
InthecomingyearswewillbuildStoryCorpsintoanenduringinstitutionthatwilltouchthelivesofeveryAmericanfamily.
ABOUT ALA
Establishedin1876,theAmericanLibraryAssociation(ALA)istheoldestandlargestlibraryassociationintheworld.Itsmissionistoprovideleadershipforthedevelopment,promotion,andimprovementoflibraryandinformationservicesandtheprofessionoflibrarianship,inordertoenhancelearningandensureaccesstoinformationforall.ALAisanonprofiteducationalorganizationofapproximately67,000members,includinglibrarians,educators,trustees,andotherinterestedcitizens.
ABOUT ALA PPO
ThroughitsPublicProgramsOffice,ALAprovidesleadership,resources,training,andnetworkingopportunitiesthathelplibrariansinpublic,academic,school,andspeciallibrariesnationwidedevelopandhostculturalexperiencesforadults,youngadults,andfamilies.Projectsincludeliveauthorandartistevents,travelingexhibitions,bookandmediadiscussionprograms,continuingeducationopportunities,andavarietyofprofessionalresourcesforlibrarians,includingtheonlineprogrammingresourcewebsite,www.ProgrammingLibrarian.org.
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II. Getting Started
IntheStoryCorpsmodel,individualschooseafriend,colleague,orlovedonetointerview.Or,interestedParticipantscometoStoryCorpsontheirowntotelltheirstory.Fromourperspective,there’snowrongwaytosetupaninterviewiftheinterviewParticipantsarewillingtospeaktooneanother.WebelievethatwhatisimportantissimplytoprovidethespaceforParticipantstolistencloselytooneanother,andtoaskthequestionsthey’vealwayswantedtoask.
Inthistoolkit,weofferguidanceonhowtocreateaprogramthatwillallowyoutorecreatetheStoryCorpsexperienceandinterviewmodelwithinyourowninstitution.Webelievethatprovidingspaceforpatronstorecordconversationsaboutwhatmattersmosttothemsupportsthecreationoflocaloralhistorycollections,engagesyourstaffandvolunteersintheissuesfacingyourcommunities,andallowsyoutoenhanceyourexistingpublicprogrammingwithnewcontentandideas.
Asyoubeginthinkingaboutestablishinganoralhistoryorinterviewcollectionprojectatyourinstitution,makesurethatyouconsiderthetimeandcommitmentittakestocarryoutsuchaneffort.Thisincludeseverythingfromconductingtrainingsontherecordingequipmenttopromotionandmarketing.Here’soursuggestedbreakdownforhowtogetstarted:
1. Assemble Your Team
Gaininginstitutionalsupportforyourprojectensuresthelongevityandsustainabilityofinterviewcollectionandpreservation.Assuch,teamworkisessentialtomakeyourprojectandrelatedprogrammingalong-termsuccess.Forthebestframeworkforsuccess,besuretoinvolvethefollowinggroupsfromthestart:
STAFFStartbyassemblingyourcoreprojectteam.Identifyaprojectlead,andspecifyindividualroles.Aprojectofthiskindcanallowstafftheopportunityforprofessionaldevelopmentbygivingthemthechancetoplayintegralrolesintheprogramming,promotion,andinterviewcollectionprocess.However,it’simportanttosetexpectationsearly,andtoacknowledgetimecommitmentsandresponsibilities.Examplesofpotentialtasksanddutiesinclude:securingprivaterecordingrooms,makingsureParticipantsknowwheretogo,trainingstaffmemberstooperatetherecordingequipmentduringtherecordingsession,andlibrarystafftimetocatalogandpreservetheinterviews.Inadditiontologisticalduties,somestaffmightserveasexcellentInterviewersorFacilitatorsfortheinterviews.
VOLUNTEERSDependingonyourstaffresources,recruitingvolunteersforsupportcanbeessentialtothesuccessofyourproject.Inaddition,involvingvolunteersengagesyourcommunity,increasesyourcapacityforinterviewcollection,andcanallowforincreasedprogramvisibility.TherolesvolunteerscanplayrangefromdoingoutreachtocommunitygroupstoservingasInterviewersorFacilitators.Ifyourinstitutiondoesnothaveitsownvolunteerprogram,considerapproachingthefollowingcommunity-basedorganizations:
• publicandcommunityradiostations;• highschoolandcollegeprograms,clubs,and
serviceorganizations;• civicandreligiousorganizations;and• localoralhistoryprojects.
In this section we offer basic building blocks to establishing a StoryCorps-inspired interview model at your institution. We offer tips on how to best prepare your Participants to share their story with a loved one, offer guidance on how to establish a recording location, and provide equipment recommendations.
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2. Make It Easy: Start Small
Pick a theme and name your program.Whenyoubeginyourinterviewcollectionprogram,thinkaboutwhatcommunityissuesorgoalsyoumightliketoseeaddressedininterviewsandrelatedprogramming.Tofocusyourprogram,wesuggestyoupickathemethatisbroadenoughtoappealtodiversegroupsthroughoutyourcommunity,butspecificenoughthatyoucanuseittofocusyourmarketingandpromotionalefforts.Ifyouarenotplanningtointegrateinterviewcollectionintoanexistingprogram,wealsosuggestthatyoucreateanameforyourprogramthatwillbeeasilyidentifiableandlegibletobothyourpatronsandyourinstitutionalpeers.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.Becomefamiliarwiththeentireprocessfromstarttofinishsoyoucanrefineitbasedoninstitutionalneeds.Learnhowtooperaterecordingequipment,testdifferentrecordingspaces,andtrainsupportstafftoaidintheprocess.Allowatleasttwoweekstoprepareforyourfirstinterview(s)andfinalizelogistics.ThiswillalsogiveyourParticipantstimetoprepareaswell.
Choose eager Participants.Sometimesgettingpeopleexcitedabouttheprojectandconfirmingtheirparticipationcanbechallenging.ChooseParticipantswhoareengagedandmotivated.Thosewhomightneedmoreconvincingcanbenefitfromseeingthesuccessofyourfirstinterviews.FormoretipsonoutreachtoParticipants,pleaseseeourResources & Toolssection.
Make adjustments and set achievable goals.Onceyou’veestablishedyourprocessforrecordinginterviews,trysettingagoalofcollectingafewinterviewseachmonth.Onceyou’vecreatedasystemthatworks,youcandeterminetheschedulethatworksbestforyou.
LOOKING CLOSER: Greensboro Public Library’s “Leaving Home”
Inconjunctionwiththeir“OneCity,OneBook”program,GreensboroPublicLibraryusedtheirbookselection,“Into The Beautiful North”byLuisAlbertoUrrea,toreachmultipleaudiences.Usingthethemeof“LeavingHome,”theGreensboroPublicLibrarygatheredthevoicesoffirst-generationcollege-boundstudents,eldersenteringassistedlivingfacilities,recentimmigrants,andAfricanAmericanswhoparticipatedintheGreatMigration.
Afamilysharestheirstoryof“LeavingHome”atGreensboroPublicLibraryaftertheirinterviewsessioninGreensboro,NorthCarolina.
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3. Establish an Interview Model
Thereisnorightorwrongwaytoconductaninterview.Nevertheless,webelieveintheimportanceofestablishinginterviewrolessothatyourpatronsandcommunitymembershaveageneralideaofwhattoexpectinaninterviewandsothatyourvolunteersandstaffareawareoftheirownresponsibilities.AtStoryCorps,weusethefollowingtermstodescribetheseindividualinterviewroles:
Participants:Thepeopleparticipatingintheinterview.
• Storyteller:Thepersonansweringquestionsandtellingstoriesduringtheinterview.
• Interviewer:Thepersonwhoasksmostofthequestionsduringtheinterview.
Facilitator:Thepersonpresentduringtheinterviewwhopromotesacomfortable,meaningfulexperiencefortheParticipantsandhandlesalltechnicalaspectsoftherecording.WeencourageFacilitatorstoworkinteamsoftwoinordertoshareresponsibilities.
4. Create a List of Questions
Preparingaheadoftimewillgreatlyimprovethequalityoftheinterviews.AgoodideaistogenerateaGreatQuestionsListthatyoucanprovidetoyourpatrons.Herearesomequestionsthathaveledtogreatconversations:
• Whataresomeofthemostimportantlessonsyouhavelearnedinlife?
• Whatareyoumostproudof?• Whatwasthehappiestmomentofyourlife?The
saddest?• Whohasbeenthebiggestinfluenceonyourlife?• Whatlessonsdidheorsheteachyou?• Howwouldyouliketoberemembered?
Formoresuggestedquestions,visitstorycorps.orgtouseouronlineQuestion Generator,orseetheGreatQuestionsListinourResources & Toolssection.Alternately,youcancreatecustomizedquestionsbasedonyourowninterestsorprogramtheme.
5. Choose an Interview Location
Weknowtheremaynotbeflexibilityinthetypeofspacewhereyourrecordingstakeplace,butwefindthatsuitablerecordinglocationscanoftenbefoundinmostlibraries.Generally,wesuggestthatyoulocateasmallroomwithadoorandaspaceforasmalltablethatcancomfortablyseattwotofourpeople.
Inchoosingyourrecordinglocation,besuretopickthequietestplacepossible.Acarpetedroomisbest.Avoidwalkwaysorplaceswherepeoplegather.BesuretoturnthevolumeoffonanyTV,radio,phone,personalelectronics,orstereo.Closethedoorandlistenforanythingelsemakingnoise,includingbuzzingfluorescentlights,tickingclocks,andairconditioners.Ifpossible,turnoffanynoisyelectronicsormovethemoutoftheroom.Quietstudyroomsormeetingroomsawayfromthemainfloorcouldbeideal.Listenfornoiseduringtheinterviewaswell,suchasjanglingjewelryorloudvoices,andfeelfreetostoptherecordingtomakechangestoyoursetup.Makethespacepeacefulandcalmbyturningthelightslow.SometimeseventhemostminoradjustmentscanenhanceParticipants’comfortandthesoundqualityoftheirrecordingimmensely.
ParticipantstalkbeforetheirinterviewatTampa-HillsboroughCountyPublicLibrarySysteminTampa,Florida.
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III. Recording the Conversation
VolunteerFacilitatorperformsasoundcheckduringtheStoryCorps@yourlibrarytrainingattheNashvillePublicLibraryinNashville,Tennessee.
FacilitatorsetsupequipmentduringtheStoryCorps@yourlibrarytrainingatSmithvillePublicLibraryinSmithville,Texas.
1. Purchase Recording Equipment
Thebasiccomponentsneededtorecordinterviewsareadigitalrecorder,amicrophone,andheadphones.Youcanfindbothbasicandmoresophisticatedrecordingequipmentatyourlocalelectronicsstoreorforpurchaseonline.Whateverrecordingequipmentyouchoose,westronglysuggestmakingsurethatthelibrary’sstaffandvolunteersfeelconfidentandreadytouseit.SeeourEquipment RecommendationsintheResources & Toolssectionformoredetails.
2. Set Up and Test the Equipment
Besuretosetupyourequipmentandcheckthesoundbeforetheinterview.Asawaytotestyourequipment,recordyourStorytelleransweringafewprompts,suchas,“Tellmewhatyouhadforbreakfast.”Stoprecordingandthenlistentothetestrecordingtodetermineifeverythingisworkingandthatthesoundisclearandlegible.PressRECORDagainwhenyoubegintheactualinterview.
A few tips for better audio quality: • Wearheadphoneswhenrecording.Yourheadphones
areyour“ears”fortheinterview;theytellyouexactlywhatyou’llhearonthefinishedrecording.
• Whenusinganexternalmicrophone,holdthemicrophoneinyourhand,movingitbetweenyouandyourStoryteller.
• Holdthemicrophoneaboutonehandspan(about5inches)fromyourStoryteller’smouth.Ifyou’reusinganinternalmicrophoneonacamera,setupthecamerajustfarenoughawaytokeepthepictureinfocus.
• Becarefulof“mic-handling”noise.That’sthelow,rumblingsoundyouhearwhenyoumovethemicrophoneinyourhands.Usealighttouchwhenhandlingthemicrophone,andminimizemovement.
• IfyourStorytellerfidgets,respectfullyremindhimorherthatthemicrophonepicksupthesound.
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3. Create a Fun, Welcoming Atmosphere
• AsktheFacilitatororotherstafftopersonallywelcomeParticipants,andcasuallyfindoutwhattheParticipantswanttotalkaboutduringtheirinterviews.
• IfinterviewingelderlyParticipants,engagetheminconversationaftertheirinterview.Askthemtoretellastorytokeeptheirmemoryfreshandreinforcetheirfeelingofaccomplishment.
• Invitelocalpresstovisityourinstitutiontolearnmoreabouttheprogram.EmphasizethatyourinterviewParticipantsarecontributingtoyourlocalhistory.
• Considermakinginterviewsegmentsavailableforotherstoenjoy.Createanexhibitusingphotographsandquotesfrominterviews.
• Encourageolderchildrenandteenagerstointeractwiththeirlovedonesthroughyourprogram.
• MakeinterviewParticipantsfeelasifthey’repartofsomethingimportant,unique,andspecifictoyourowninstitutionandcommunity.
4. Begin the Conversation
StarttheinterviewbyhavingeachParticipantstatehisorhername,age,thedate,andthelocationoftheinterview.Forexample,“MynameisMarissaMartinez.I’m40yearsold.ThedateisNovember27,2013,andI’msittingwithmygrandfather,FrankJackson,intheBrooklynPublicLibrary.”WhiletheGreatQuestions
ListwillhelpprepareParticipantsfortheinterview,encouragethemtotrusttheirinstinctsandaskquestionsinwhateverorderfeelsright.InstructParticipantstoavoidsaying“uhhuh”orinterrupting.Instead,recommendtheyusevisualcueslikenoddingtheirheadtoencouragetheStorytellertokeepgoing.Seeour Interview Tipsonpage10formoreinformationonhowtokeeptheconversationgoing.
5. Wrap It Up
We’vefoundthat40minutesisagoodlengthoftimeforaStoryCorpsinterview,butParticipantscanspeakforaslongorasshortatimeastheylike(oraslongasyoucanaccommodate).Beforeyouturnofftherecorder,besuretoasktheStorytellerifthereisanythingelseheorshewantstotalkabout.IftheParticipantshavefinishedtheirconversation,youmightalsowanttothankthem;openingupand/orspeakingintoamicrophonecanbedifficult.Expressyourgratitude,andletthemknowthatitwasaprivilegetolistentothestory.Finally,hitSTOPonyourrecorder.
Oncetherecordingisfinished,provideParticipantswithacopyoftheinterviewandtheirphotos.YoucanalsogivetheParticipantsacertificatecommemoratingtheirparticipation.SamplecertificatesareintheResources & Tools section.
ParticipantsaftertheirinterviewsessionatSanFranciscoPublicLibraryinSanFrancisco,California.
Makesuretoletthosearoundyouknowthataninterviewistakingplace!
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Interview Tips
Taking the time to do an interview with a loved one, family member, or friend is a unique opportunity to remember someone or something important in someone else’s life. As a general guideline, we believe that allocating 40 minutes for each interview represents a good amount of time to capture a person’s story. It may seem like a long time, but it can go faster than you think! Here are some tips for Storytellers, Interviewers, and Facilitators to keep in mind when preparing for an interview.
Beforetheinterview,ask your participantsifthere’sanythingtheydoordon’twanttotalkabout.ThisisagreatopportunitytoremindParticipantsthattheyareincontroloftheirownstoriesandthatyou’retheretolisten.
Choose about 10 main questionsforyourinterview.Thiswillgiveyouabroadoutlineofwhatyouhopetocoverinyourinterviewandthedirectionsinwhichyoumightwantyourinterviewtogo.
Fromthislist,choose the first questiontogetyoustarted.Youmaywanttobeginatthebeginning,with“Wherewereyouborn?”orjumptoaspecifictimeortopicinthatperson’slifethatmostinterestsyou,suchasmilitaryserviceorparenthood.
Start with open-ended questions withoutyesornoanswers,lettingtheStorytellersteeryoutowardwhatismostimportanttohimorher.Thesequestionsshouldstartwithphraseslike,“Tellmeabout…”or“Whatwasitlike…”or“Howdidyoufeelwhen…”
Beawareofyourbody languagethroughouttheinterview.ShowingParticipantsthatyou’regenuinelyinterestedhelpsthemopenupandmakesthemfeelconfidentenoughtoindulgeinthedetails.
Keepinmindthatfuturelistenersmaynotbefamiliarwithspecificpeopleandplacesyoumention.Set up context andbackgroundfortheinterviewwhereneededwithquestionssuchas“Howdidyougetthere?”“WhowasUncleBill?”and/or“Whywashesuchaninfluenceonyou?”
Questionsthatencourage vivid detailscanbesurprisingandmaketheinterviewspecial.Goodexamplesincludequestionslike,“Canyoupaintapictureinwordsofyourchildhoodneighborhood?”“WhatdidUncleBilllooklike?”or“Whataresomeimagesthatstandoutwhenyouthinkaboutyourgrandfather?”.
Bepreparedtoask follow-up questions orveerfromyourplannedquestionlistifyou’recuriousaboutsomething.Amemoryaboutworkcouldbefollowedupwithaquestionsuchas,“Whatareyoumostproudofinyourcareer?”Youmayhearstoriesyou’veneverheardbefore.
Think of your interview as a conversation.Whilerehearsingorwritingoutyouranswersmayhelpinpreparingforyourinterview,wealsorecommendthinkingofthisasatimetohaveameaningfulconversation.Relaxandletyourwordscomenaturally.
Don’thesitatetocontribute a favorite storyabouttheStorytellerormemoriesyousharetogetherasyougoalong.Thisinterviewcanbeatimetotellyourinterviewpartnerhowmuchheorshemeanstoyou,orsharesomethingyou’vealwayswantedtotellyourpartner.
Asyouneartheendofyourinterview,think of some reflective questions as time wraps up.Examplesmightinclude,“IsthereanythingyouwanttotalkaboutthatIdidn’taskyou?”“Lookingback,whatwereyourhappiesttimes?”“Whatadvicewouldyougivetomeaboutbeingaparent?”or“Whatareyourhopesforthefuture?”
Rememberthatthe Storyteller and Interviewer model is a fluid model,andbothParticipantscantaketurnsaskingeachotherquestions.
Mostofall,relax and have fun.Enjoytheopportunitytosharethestories,thoughts,andtheclosenessthatcancomewiththisexperience.
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IV. Preserving Your Conversation
1. Archiving Interviews
SomeParticipantsrecordinterviewswithStoryCorpsprimarilytohavetheexperience:theywanttohaveanuninterrupted,intimateconversation,achancetospeakandbeheardortolistenfully.Becausewealwaysprovideeachparticipantpairwithacopyoftheirinterview,theseindividualsmaynotwishtohavetheirstoriespreservedormadeaccessibletoanyoneoutsideoftheirimmediatefamilyorfriendcircle.
However,othersparticipatesotheirstoriescanbecomepartofthehistoricalrecord.TheStoryCorpsinterviewmodeloffersauniquedivergencefromtypicaloralhistoryinterviewsinthat,whileitdoesnotnecessarilyofferacomplete,factualwho-what-when-whereaccountoftheeventsofanindividual’slife,theconversationtendstocaptureamoreemotional,affectiveaccountoflivedexperience.Theseconversationsprovevaluableaccompanimentstootherformsofarchivalrecords—documents,newsaccounts,etc.—oftenansweringthequestion“Whatdiditfeelliketobethereatthistime?”
Inordertoarchiveinterviews,it’simportanttohaveParticipantssignareleaseform,andtoofferthemtheoptionnottoreleasetheirinterviewtoyourinstitution.StoryCorpsFacilitatorsgiveParticipantsourreleaseformtosignaftertheinterview,soParticipantscandecideiftheywishtheirinterviewstobecomepartofthepublicrecordbasedonwhattheyactuallydiscussed.WerecommendthatyouexplainthereleaseformclearlytoParticipants,andnotifyParticipantsiftheinterviewswillbepostedonlineanddiscoverablebyusingasearchengine.
YoushouldalsoestablishameanstocollectimportantParticipantinformation.Forexample,everyStoryCorpsParticipantfillsoutavoluntarydatasheetthatcontainscontactinformation,demographicinformation,andaquestionthatasksforaParticipant’sidentityinhisorherownwords.
StoryCorps,theLibraryofCongress,andmanyotherinstitutionsthatarchiveoralhistoriesorpersonalnarrativesalsoofferindividualstheopportunitytoremovetheirmaterialsfromthearchiveretrospectively.Wedonotpresentthisoptionupfront(otherwisewe’dbeoverwhelmedwithpeoplechangingtheirminds),butbecauseoftheoftenemotionalcontentofthestoriesandthefactthatParticipantsdiscussthestoriesofotherfriends,familymembers,andcolleaguesweemployaliberaltakedownpolicyandcomplywithallrequeststowithdrawaninterviewfromthecollection.
LibrarystaffmemberinterviewspatronatTampa-HillsboroughCountyPublicLibrarySysteminTampa,Florida.
VolunteerFacilitatorinterviewscommunitymemberatOctaviaFellinPublicLibraryinGallup,NewMexico.
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2. Preserving Digital Files
Yourlibraryorrepositoryprobablyhasitsownguidelinesforpreservingdigitalmaterials.Werecommendthatyoubeginbackingupinterviewfilesfrom the moment you record them. That’saseasyas:
• Transferringafilefromtherecorder’sSDcardtoacomputerorserverthat’sconnectedtoabackupserver;
• transferringthefilefromtherecorder’sSDcardtoacomputerorserverandtoanexternalharddrive;or
• transferringafilefromtherecorder’sSDcardtoacomputerorserverandburningaCDorDVDcopy.
Manyfolkloristsandoralhistorianswhoworkwithdigitalmediarecommendcreatingachecksumassoonasyoucreateadigitalfilethat’sdestinedforanarchive.
3. Cataloging Interviews
LibrarypartnershavechosenavarietyofformatsforcatalogingStoryCorpsinterviews.
InstitutionswithpreexistingdigitalassetmanagementsystemslikeContentDMoftencreatecollectionsfortheiroralhistorymaterials.Someoftheseinstitutionsmakeonlyaportionoftheintervieworaneditedclipavailableforpublicaccessoffsite,withthewholeinterviewavailableonsiteatthelibrary.
Formoreinformationaboutchecksums,pleasevisittheonlineresourceOralHistoryintheDigitalAge:http://ohda.matrix.msu.edu/2012/06/resource-tutorial-on-checksum-for-digital-preservation-of-oral-history
Foronsiteuse,librarieshaveprovidedCDstopatrons,loadedfilesontoMP3playersforresearcherstolistentointhelibrary,andmadethefilesavailablethroughlisteningstationsorfileserversaccessibleviacomputerterminals.
StoryCorpshasdevelopeditsownsetofkeywords,whichpartnerlibrariesusetocatalogtheirinterviewsthroughStoryCorps@yourlibrary.WebasedoursetofkeywordsontheAmericanFolkloreSociety’sEthnographicThesaurus,availableonlineatwww.openfolklore.org/et/. YoumayalsofindanabbreviatedversionofourKey Words ListinourResources & Toolssection.
StoryCorpsinterviewshavebeencatalogedinMARC(seethecollectionattheLaCrossePublicLibrary),presentedinContentDM(MarylandDigitalLibraries,NashvillePublicLibrary,DenverPublicLibrary),andincorporatedinEADFindingAids(UniversityofTexas–Austin).
FatheranddaughterintervieweachotheratChicagoPublicLibraryinChicago,Illinois.
StoryCorps@yourlibrarytrainingatNashvillePubliclibraryinNashville,Tennessee.
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V. How to Maintain a Successful Program
1. Ideas to Make It Last
Thebestwaytomakeyouroralhistoryprogramalastingsuccessistodemonstrateitsimpact,whichextendsfarbeyondtheinterviewexperience.
Forexamplesfromourpartners,pleaseseeProgramming ExamplesintheResources & Toolssection.
PUBLICITYPublicizingyourinterviewcollectionprogramaspartofyourorganization’sprogrammingisanopportunitytoshowcaseyourcommitmenttocollectingandpreservingyourcommunity’smanystories.BeingfeaturedinlocalpressoranewsletterisagreatwaytomakeParticipantsfeelspecialandcanheightenexcitementaboutyourprogram.Someotherwaysinclude:
• Using our press release templateinourResources & Tools sectiontoinvitelocalpresstovisitduringarecordingdayandspeakwithParticipants.
• Submitting articles or op-ed pieces to a local newspaperinyourcommunity.Explainhowandwhyyourinstitutiondecidedtocollectstories,andifpossibleprovidequotesandanecdotesfromParticipants.
• Usingphotos from your recording daystoenhanceyourmarketingandcommunicationsefforts,suchasbrochuresandflyers.Writeabouttheprograminyourorganization’snewsletter.
• Postingphotos, interview clips, and articlesabouttheprogramonyourinstitution’swebsite,socialmediaaccountsand/orblog.
PARTNERSHIPSEstablishingstronglocalpartnershipsallowsyoutotakeyourprojecttothenextlevelandintroduceyourprogramandyourinstitutiontoentirelynewaudiences.Tofurtheryourprogramgoals,takeadvantageofexistingpartnershipsorusethisopportunitytoforgenewones.
High school programsregularlyencouragestudentstovolunteerwithlocalorganizationsandotherinstitutionsascommunityserviceorinexchangeforextra-creditwork.Youmayalsowanttopartnerwithalocalcollegewhereprofessorsmayhavestudentsdirectlysupportyourprogramaspartofthecurriculum.Considerworkingwithateacherinyourcommunitytocreatearegularactivitybetweenstudentsandyourinstitution.
LOOKING CLOSER:How to work with schools and teachers
ChicagoPublicLibrarypartneredwithDePaulUniversitytocreateaninnovativeprogramcenteredonits“OneBook,OneChicago”program.StoryCorpsstafftrainedDePaulstudentsenrolledinanEnglishindependentstudycoursetofacilitateinterviewscollectedinthisprogram.Forhelpinplanningyour“OneCity,OneBook”program,see:www.programminglibrarian.org/library/programs/discussion-programs/book-discussion-programs/one-book.html.
Thissectionoffersadviceandtipsonhowtomaketheinterviewsyourecordpartofyourpublicprogrammingofferings.Weofferindividualcasestudiesandsuggestionsthatillustratehowtocreatecompellingandinnovativeprograms,andsuggestwaysyoucanenhanceyourexistingprogramsbyengagingyourcommunitythroughoralnarratives.
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Local history centers, museums, and neighborhood associationsoftendesignprogramsorexhibitsthatshowcaselocalhistoryandthelivesofcommunitymembers.Yourinterviewswouldprovidearichsourceofmaterial,compellingcontent,andinspirationforartisticexpression.Inviteyourlocalcommunitytoconnectcloselywithanexhibitbyengagingtheminlistening.
Establishingapartnershipwithalocalradio stationisalsoagreatwaytoinformyourlocalcommunityaboutyourproject.Ifyoudonothaveapreexistingrelationshipwithone,thiswouldbeagreatopportunitytostartone.
2. Using StoryCorps Content
Wewelcomelibrariestouseouranimationsandbroadcastclipsintheirpromotionaleffortsand/oratlisteningevents.Pleasevisitstorycorps.orgtoaccessourmaterial.
HOST A LISTENING EVENTAlisteningeventisagreatwaytobringfriends,family,andcolleaguestogethertolistentoinspiringstoriesandtalkaboutwhatmatterstoyou.YoucanplayaportionofyourParticipants’interviewsonaCDplayerorcomputerconnectedtospeakers.Makesurethespeakervolumeisloudenoughtofilltheroom.ProjectingphotosoftheinterviewParticipantsontoascreenisaniceaddition.
PLAY AUDIO AT EVENTSStoryCorpsinterviewsareapersonalandeffectivewaytoshareyourcommunity’svoicesatboardmeetings,fundraisingevents,orconventions.Itisagreatwaytoraiseawarenessusingdifferentmediaresources.
LOOKING CLOSER:Animation, “Eyes on the Stars”
OnJanuary28,1986,NASAChallengermissionSTS-51-Lendedintragedywhentheshuttleexploded73secondsaftertakeoff.OnboardwasphysicistRonaldE.McNair,whowasthesecondAfricanAmericantoenterspace.Butfirst,hewasakidwithbigdreamsinLakeCity,SouthCarolina.
ThisisoneofStoryCorps’mostpopularclips.Wefindthatthisstoryresonateswithlibrariansandlibrariesdeeply.Formoreinformation,visitstorycorps.org/animation.
LibrarystaffandvolunteerFacilitatoratSomervillePublicLibraryinSomerville,Massachusetts.
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EDITING FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWSStoryCorps’ownbroadcastclipsallowaParticipant’sstorytobetoldinaconciseandmeaningfulway.Atyourinstitution,youmaybeinterestedineditinginterviewsinasimilarfashion,oryoumaywanttoeditinterviewsinordertohighlightspecificissuesorconcernsthatsupportyourorganization’smissionorgoals.
Onceinterviewsareedited,youcanposttheeditedsegmentsand/orthetranscriptsofthesegmentsonline,usetheminalisteningevent,orfeaturetheminanexhibition.Before making any portion of an interview publicly available, we recommend that you call both interview Participants as a courtesy.
Westronglyrecommendthatallinterviewsegmentsbe:
• faithfultotheoveralltoneoftheconversationandrepresentativeofthesubstanceandfeeloftheinterview;
• madeavailableinanon-downloadableformat;• notmorethaneightminutesinlength(most
StoryCorpssegmentsarelessthanthreeminutes);• cohesive,tellingaparticularstoryorstickingtoa
definedtheme;• presentedinamannerthatshowscareandanintent
tohonorthesourcematerial;and• truthful(wesuggestthatyouverifythehardfactsin
thesegment).
Forfurtherrecommendationsaboutusingeditedsegmentsofinterviews,pleaseseetheResources & Toolssection.
NATIONAL DAY OF LISTENINGTheNationalDayofListeningisanewnationalholidaystartedbyStoryCorpsin2008.OnthedayafterThanksgiving,StoryCorpsaskseveryonetotakeafewminutestorecordaninterviewwithalovedone.
Byparticipatingasaninstitution,youcanhelppublicizeyouroralhistoryprogramandpostinterviewstoStoryCorps’WallofListeningtobesharednationwide.
Visitnationaldayoflistening.org formoredetails.
LOOKING CLOSER:Smithville Public Library
ThecommunityofSmithville,Texas,previouslypartneredwithStoryCorpstorecordandpreservethestoriesofpost-9/11veterans,active-dutyservicemembers,andtheirfamilies,aspartoftheMilitaryVoicesInitiative.WhentheSmithvillePublicLibrarywasselectedasanSCLpilotlibrary,itallowedthelibrarytocontinuetorecordthestoriesofveterans,expandinguponthepreviousworkdonebyStoryCorpsandstrengtheningthelibrary’stiestoitscommunity.Inthemidstoftheirprogram,SmithvillePublicLibraryhostedalisteningeventonVeteransDaythatfeaturedStoryCorpsbroadcastsandanimationsalongsidethestoriesofveteranscollectedthroughtheirSCLproject.AfterhearingsomeoftherecordingsandseeingsomeoftheStoryCorpsanimations,programattendeeswereencouragedtoscheduletheirowninterviewswiththelibrary.
StudentsfromDePaulUniversityserveasvolunteerFacilitatorsforChicagoPublicLibrary’sStoryCorps@yourlibraryprogram.
storycorps.org 16
VI. Resources & Tools
Thissectioncontainshelpfulresourcestoassistyouinplanningandimplementingyourinterviewcollectionprogram.
Resources
1. OnlineResources2. EquipmentRecommendations3. EditingFull-LengthInterviews4. TechnicalGuidelinesforEditingInterviews5. ProgrammingExamples:UsingStoryCorpsInterviews6. GreatQuestionsList7. KeyWordsListTools
1. ParticipantSchedule2. InterviewIntroductionCard3. SampleInterviewCertificates4. RecordinginProgressSign5. SamplePressRelease
ParticipantsaftertheirinterviewsessionatMultnomahCountyLibraryinPortland,Oregon.
ParticipantsaftertheirinterviewsessionattheSommervillePublicLibraryinSomeville,Massachusetts.
storycorps.org 17
StoryCorps @ your libraryisanonlineresourceforinformationabouttheSCLprogramathttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/storycorps.
The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress,StoryCorps’nationalarchivepartner,providesbasicnotesonfolklifefieldworkatwww.loc.gov/folklife/fieldwork/index.html.
Oral History in the Digital Ageisanonlineresourceforplanning,implementing,andsupportingoralhistoryprogramsatyourinstitutionathttp://ohda.matrix.msu.edu.
Oral History Association’s Principles & Best Practices for Oral Historyprovidesasetofguidelinesforthoseinterestedinconductingoralhistoriesathttp://www.oralhistory.org/about/principles-and-practices.
Activists’ Guide to Archiving Video,createdbyWitness,focusesonvideobuthasthoroughandstraightforwardtipsoncapturing,preserving,andorganizingdigitalfield-basedrecordingsathttp://archiveguide.witness.org.
Transom,anonlinepublicradiocommunity,hasextensiveproductequipmentreviewsandinstructionalrecordingguidesatwww.transom.org/tools.
Audacity featuresinstructionsandtipsfordownloading,installing,andusingtheirfreeaudioeditingsoftwareatwww.audacity.sourceforge.net.
AnephewinterviewshisuncleabouthismilitarycareeratSmithvillePublicLibraryinSmithville,Texas.
ParticipantsaftertheirinterviewsessionatNashvillePublicLibraryinNashville,Tennessee.
Online Resources
storycorps.org 18
PORTABLE DIGITAL RECORDERSDigitalrecordersstoreaudioondigitalmedialikememorycards,allowingfilestobetransferredtoacomputerforprocessing.Digitalrecordingisthemodernstandard,andallowsforthehighestqualityandintegrityofaudiofiles.
Werecommendrecordersthatfeature:• XLRinputs,whichaccommodateawidervarietyof
microphones;• capacitytorecordWAV(alsocalledPCM)audio
files;and• removablemedia,likeCompactFlashorSDcards
Average cost: $170—$600Recommended Models: Marantz PMD661, Tascam DR-40 Microphone
Plugginganexternalmicrophoneintotherecorderwillallowyoutobettercontrolsoundquality.Useoneortwomicrophonesdependingonthenumberofparticipantsyou’dliketoaccommodate.Werecommendahandheldcondensermicrophonewithadirectionalpickuppattern.Microphoneaccessories,suchasstands,mountsorcablesmaybeusefulaswell.
Average Cost: $100—$200Recommended Model: Audio-Technica ATM710
HEADPHONESUseheadphonestomonitorsoundfromtherecorder.Werecommendover-the-ear,closed-back-styleheadphonestoblockoutbackgroundnoise.
Average Cost: $50—$100Recommended Models: Sony MDR-7506, Sony MDR-7502
EXISTING EQUIPMENTInmanycases,equipmentyoualreadyown—suchascomputers,smartphones,andtablets—maybeusedforaudiorecording.
Forcomputer recording,werecommend:• USBmicrophones,whichplugdirectlyintoa
computer’sUSBport;and• low-costorfreerecordingprogramslikeReaper,
Audacity,andGarageBand
Forsmartphones and tablets,werecommend:• attachablemicrophoneslikethosemadebyBlueand
Tascam;and• recordingappslikeTascamPCMRecorderand
VoiceMemo.
Web-basedaudiosharingserviceslikeSoundcloudandAudiobooalsohavefreerecordingfunctionsbuiltintotheirwebsitesandapps.
Equipment Recommendations
storycorps.org 19
Editing Full-Length Interviews
StoryCorps’owneditedsegmentshighlightpeople’spersonalexperiencesandtheiremotionalreactionstothem.Youmaybeinterestedineditinginterviewsinasimilarway,oryoumaywanttohighlightspecificissuestalkedaboutintheinterviewthatspecificallysupportyourorganization’smissionorgoals.Werecommendthatyouincludebothinterviewparticipants’voicesinallsegments.Thisemphasizestheconversationalstyleofaninterview,aswellastheauthenticityoftheideasbeingshared.
Beforemakingtheeditedsegmentpubliclyavailable,werecommendthatyoucallbothinterviewparticipantsasacourtesy.
All edited segments should be:
• Faithfultotheoveralltoneoftheconversationandrepresentativeofthesubstanceandfeeloftheinterview.
• Ifpostedonline,inaformatthatuserscannotdownloadbutthatpermitsInternetstreamingoftheclip.
• Notmorethaneightminutesinlength;StoryCorpsrecommendssegmentsoflessthanoraboutthreeminutes.
• Cohesive,tellingaparticularstoryorstickingtoadefinedtheme.
• Presentedinamannerthatshowscareandanintenttohonorthesourcematerial.
• Truthful;wesuggestthatyouverifythehardfactsinthesegment(seepage12).
Beforedistributingastory,youwillwanttomakesurethateveryonewholistenswillunderstandthesegmentandensurethattheinformationpresentedinthesegmentistruthful.Todothat,youmustgatherbackgroundinformationaboutthestoryandwriteabrief(two-tothree-sentence)introduction.
Here’s how we do it:
• Aftereditingthesegment,wecalltheinterviewparticipantsandplayitforbothpeopletoconfirmthatwe’vegottentheirstory100%correct.
• Wedouble-checknames,spellings,andageswiththeinterviewparticipants.
• Weconfirmalldates,historicalevents,andotherinformationintheinterviewthatcouldbeverifiedbyathird-partysource.
For example:
• IfaninterviewparticipantremembershearingMartinLutherKingJr.speakinyourcityin1963,double-checkthatDr.Kingspokeinyourcityatthattime.Memoriesfade—thespeechmighthavebeengivenafewtownsoverorinadifferentyear.
• Onceyou’veconfirmedthefacts,takefiveminutestowriteanintroductiontoyourstorysothateveryonewholistenstothepiececanfullyappreciateit.Althoughthepeopleeditingthestorywillhaveheardtheentire40-minuteinterview,thepeoplelisteningtowhatyoupresentwillhearonlyafewminutesoftherecording.Makesureyourlistenershavealloftheinformationtheyneedtounderstandbothinterviewparticipants.
• Thesestepswillleaveyouwithabetter,clearer,morepowerfulstoryinthelongrun.
storycorps.org 20
Technical Guidelines for Editing Interviews Weencourageyoutoedittheinterviews(.wavfiles)fromyourcollectionforusebyyourorganization.Workingwithsoundcanbeintimidatingatfirst,butitwillberewardingonceyou’velearnedthenecessaryskills.StoryCorpsusesaprofessionalprogramcalledProToolstoeditaudio;however,thismaybetooexpensiveformostorganizations.Werecommendthatyoudownloadfreeeditingsoftware,suchasAudacity.Itwillenableyoutoexcerptandedit40-minuteinterviewsintomoreusabletwo-tofour-minutesegments,orcutuptoeightminutesofrawaudio.
Ifyou’venevereditedaudiobefore,setasideatleastonefulldaytolearnhowtooperateAudacity.Afteryou’vemasteredtheprogram,editingindividualsegmentsshouldbeprettysimple,andtheamountoftimeitwilltaketocreateafinishedproductwilldependonhowmucheditingyoudoandhowlongyourpieceis.Ifyouarefamiliarwithediting,theamountoftimeneededtolearnAudacitydecreasesaccordingly.
Directionsonhowtodownload,install,andusetheprogramareataudacity.sourceforge.net andaudacity.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/tutorials.html.
WORKING WITH AUDACITY SOFTWARE
IMPORTING AUDIO.TogettheaudiofromtheyourCDordatafileintoAudacity,you’llneedtoimportitontoatrack.Tocreateatrack,gototheProjectmenuatthetopofyourscreenandchoose“ImportAudio.”Then,selecttheaudioyouwishtohearandedit.Youshouldbeableto“see”thefile—everypeakandvalleyinthewaveformationissomebodytalkingortakingabreath.
PLAYING AUDIO.TowardthetopoftheAudacityscreen,you’llseebuttonsthatlooklikeonesyouwouldseeonaCDplayer.Theyworkexactlythesameway.Tobegintoheartheaudio,placethecursoratthebeginningofthetrackandpressthe“record”buttonorjusthitthespacebar.Youcanstoplisteningbypressingthespacebar.
Forquestionsorhelpwithediting,visit audacity.sourceforge.net/contact.
EXPORTING AUDIO.Whenyou’veexcerptedtheaudioselectionyouwanttouse,you’llneedtoexportthatpieceofaudio.YoucandothisbygoingtotheFilemenuandchoosing“ExportasaWav”(highquality)or“ExportasanMp3”(slightlylowerquality).Next,nameandsavethefile.ItwillthenbereadytoputonaCD,onyourwebsite,inapodcast,etc.
Werecommendeditingsegmentsinmonoformatratherthanstereo.Selectatrack,thenclick“StereoTracktoMono”undertheTracksmenu.
storycorps.org 21
EXHIBITS
• Sauk Prairie River Project partneredwithaschoolandeditedits16interviewsintosix-minutesegments.Thesegmentswereplayedattheexhibit“MuseumonMainStreet”attheSaukPrairieHighSchoolRiverArtsCenter.VisitorscouldsitinsmallkiosksandlistentothestoriesoniPods.Additionally,theschoolcreatedaphotoalbumusingthephotosofparticipantsandincludedtheinterviewCDsinthealbum.TheycreatedaphotowallattheschoolwheretheCDsweremadeavailableforlistening.
• TheShelburne MuseumdesignedtwolisteningstationstobedisplayedalongsidethenationalAlzheimer’sQuilt.Thelisteningstationscontainlocallyrecordedinterviews(producedbyVermontPublicRadio)andseveralnationallyrecordedinterviews(producedbyStoryCorps).PleasecontactStoryCorpstoobtainpermissiontouseeditedsegmentsproducedbyStoryCorps.
• Geneva History Centercelebratedtheirtownbymakingtheinterviewopportunityavailablefortheirpubliccommunityforfivedays,whichcreatedcontentforanexhibitcalled,“EveryStoryCounts:EverydayStoriesofEverydayGenevans,”whichwonanawardfortheCenter.Youcanseephotosofthebeautifulexhibithere.
• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,whichwementioned,hostedtheMobileBoothinJune.TheybuiltatabintheirFacebook page showcasingtheinspiringstoriesofeverydaypeoplehelpingothers,here,whichislovelybutrequiresyouto“like”theirpage.Theyalsobuiltabasicmobile phone apptoaccessfromtheirVisitorCenter.
LISTENING EVENTS
• OnVeteransDay,StoryCorpsAtlantapartneredwiththeAtlanta History Center(AHC)andtheAtlantaJournalConstitution(AJC)topresent“StoriesofSacrifice:ListeningtoAmerica’sVeterans.”TheprogramoftheeventincludedvideosfromtheAHC’sVeteransHistoryProject,apiecesharedbyAJCeditorKevinRileyonreplacementsoldiers,andstoriesfromStoryCorps’MilitaryVoicesInitiative.
• ThePoints of Light Instituterecordedconversationsofcommittedvolunteersdiscussingtheroleserviceworkhadplayedintheirlives.TwooftheinterviewswereeditedbyaprofessionalproducerandplayedattheNationalConferenceonVolunteeringandServiceinNewYorkCity.
• The Robert Russa Moton Museumstartedafree“Brown-BagLunchSeries”forthepublictolistentotheStoryCorpsinterviewsabouttheircounty’scivilrightsstruggles,anddiscussthehistoryandcurrentissuestogether.TheFridaygatheringsatthemuseumhavegeneratedhealing,reconciliation,andmoreconversation.Youcanreadmoreabouttheirlisteninglunchesinalocal news article.
SPEAKERS ON PANEL EVENT
• OnSeptember16,StoryCorpsAtlantaco-hosted“ComingtoAmerica:StoriesfromAtlanta’sImmigrantandRefugeeCommunities,”withAtlantaHistoryCenter,publicradiostationWABE,WelcomingAmerica,andtheNational Civil and Human Rights Museum.Participantsrelayedtheimpactithadontheirlivestotelltheirstory.
• StoryCorps’Military Voices Initiativehosted“AStoryCorpsTalkbackattheBrooklynMuseum”presentedinconjunctionwiththeexhibition“WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY:ImagesofArmedConflictandItsAftermath.”Duringtheevent,editedclipswereplayedofstoriesfrombothveteransandwarphotographers.Followingtheclips,StoryCorpsmoderatedapaneldiscussionontheimportanceoftellingtheirstories.
Programming Examples: Using StoryCorps Interviews
storycorps.org 22
Great Questions List
Beforeyourconversation,askyourinterviewpartnerwhatheorshewouldliketotalkaboutandwhatstoriestheorshewouldliketoshare.Thenpreparealistofquestionstoaskduringtheinterview.You can use some of the suggested questions below, or come up with your own list. Formoregreatquestions,visitstorycorps.org/questions.
Great QuestionsWhatwasthehappiestmomentofyourlife?Thesaddest?Whowasthemostimportantpersoninyourlife?Canyoutellmeabouthimorher?Whatarethemostimportantlessonsyou’velearnedinlife?Whatareyouproudestofinyourlife?Howhasyourlifebeendifferentfromwhatyou’dimagined?Howwouldyouliketoberemembered?Doyouhaveanyregrets?Whatdoesyourfuturehold?Isthereanythingthatyou’venevertoldmebutwanttotellmenow?Istheresomethingaboutmethatyou’vealwayswantedtoknowbuthaveneverasked?Isthereanythingyouwantedtotalkaboutthatwedidn’tgetto?
Great Questions for FriendsWhatisyourfirstmemoryofme?Wasthereatimewhenyoudidn’tlikeme?Whatmakesussuchgoodfriends?Howwouldyoudescribeme?Howwouldyoudescribeyourself?Wherewillwebein10years?20years?Doyouthinkwe’lleverlosetouchwitheachother?Isthereanythingthatyou’vealwayswantedtotellmebuthaven’t?
Great Questions for GrandparentsWheredidyougrowup?Whatwasyourchildhoodlike?Whowereyourfavoriterelatives?Doyourememberanyofthestoriestheyusedtotellyou?Howdidyouandgrandma/grandpameet?Whatwasmymom/dadlikegrowingup?Doyourememberanysongsthatyouusedtosingto her/him?Canyousingthemnow?Wasshe/hewellbehaved?Whatistheworstthingshe/heeverdid?Whatwereyourparentslike?Whatwereyourgrandparentslike?Howwouldyouliketoberemembered?Areyouproudofme?
Great Questions for Older Community MembersHowlonghaveyoulivedin ?Howhasitchangedoverthoseyears?Whatwasitlikewhenyougrewuphere/firstmovedhere?Whatdoyoumissmostaboutthewayitusedtobe?Whoaresomeofthegreatcharactersfromhere?Doyourememberanygreatstoriesorlegendsaboutourtown?
Great Questions for ParentsDorememberwhatwasgoingthroughyourheadwhenyoufirstsawme?Howdidyouchoosemyname?WhatwasIlikeasababy?Asayoungchild?Doyourememberanyofthesongsyouusedtosingtome?Canyousingthemnow?Whatweremysiblingslike?WhatwerethehardestmomentsyouhadwhenIwas growingup?Ifyoucoulddoeverythingagain,wouldyouraise medifferently?Whatadvicewouldyougivemeaboutraisingmyownkids?Whatareyourdreamsforme?Howdidyoumeetmom/dad?Areyouproudofme?
storycorps.org 23
Great Questions about Growing UpWheredidyougrowup?Whatwasitlike?Whatisyourearliestmemory?Whowereyourparents?Whatwereyourparentslike?Howwasyourrelationshipwithyourparents?Didyougetintotrouble?Whatwastheworstthingyoudid?Doyouhaveanysiblings?Whatweretheylikegrowingup?Whatdidyoulooklike?Howwouldyoudescribeyourselfasachild?Wereyouhappy?Whatisyourbestmemoryofchildhood?Worst?Didyouhaveanickname?How’dyougetit?Whowereyourbestfriends?Whatweretheylike?Howwouldyoudescribeaperfectdaywhenyouwereyoung?Whatdidyouthinkyourlifewouldbelikewhenyouwereolder?
Great Questions about SchoolDidyouenjoyschool?Whatkindofstudentwereyou?Whatwouldyoudoforfun?Howwouldyourclassmatesrememberyou?Areyoustillfriendswithanyonefromthattimeinyourlife?Whatareyourbestmemoriesofgradeschool/high school/college/graduateschool?Worstmemories?
Great Questions about Love and RelationshipsDoyouhavealoveofyourlife?Whendidyoufirstfallinlove?Canyoutellmeaboutyourfirstkiss?Whatwasyourfirstseriousrelationship?Doyoubelieveinloveatfirstsight?Doyoueverthinkaboutpreviouslovers?Whatlessonshaveyoulearnedfromyourrelationships?
Great Questions about MarriageHowdidyoumeetyourhusband/wife?Howdidyouknowhe/shewas“theone”?Howdidyoupropose?Whatwerethebesttimes?Themostdifficulttimes?Didyoueverthinkofgettingdivorced?Didyouevergetdivorced?Canyoutellmeaboutit?Whatadvicedoyouhaveforyoungcouples?
Great Questions about WorkingWhatdoyoudoforaliving?Doyoulikeyourjob?Whatdidyouthinkyouweregoingtobewhenyougrewup?Whatdidyouwanttobewhenyougrewup?Whatlessonshasyourworklifetaughtyou?Ifyoucoulddoanythingnow,whatwouldyoudo?Why?Doyouplanonretiring?Ifso,when?Howdoyoufeel aboutit?
Great Questions about ReligionWhatroledoesreligionplayinyourlife?Whatisyourreligion?DoyoubelieveinGod?Doyoubelieveintheafterlife?Ifso,doyouthinkyou’llgotoHeaven?Haveyouexperiencedanymiracles?
storycorps.org 24
ArtActingArtComicsDanceDesignDrawingFilmGraphicDesignLiteraturePaintingPhotographyPoetryPrintmakingSculptureTheaterWriting
Beliefs, ConvictionsActivismAnti-SemitismCharms&AmuletsConservatismClassismDiscriminationFateFortuneTellingHomophobiaIntoleranceLiberalismLuckMagicMagicalPoliticalPoliticalPartiesPoliticsPrejudiceRacismScientificSegregationSexismStereotypingTalkingtotheDeadVisionsXenophobia
Community ArchitectureBarsCafesCityBlocksCityPlanningClubsCoffeeShopsCommunityBusinessesCommunityCharactersCommunityHistoryCommunityOrganizationsCornerStoresDistrictsFarmLifeGangsCityGentrificationGossip&RumorHomecomingHousesHousingProjectsLandmarksNeighborhoodLifeParadesPublichousingPubsRuralLifeRestaurantsStreetSellersSuburbsTownLifeUrbanLifeUrbanRenewals
EmotionsAngerAnxietyCatharsisDisappointmentFearGriefGuiltHappinessHateHomesicknessHope
HumiliationIntimacyJealousyLoveNostalgiaRegretReliefRemorseSadnessShynessSorrowSurpriseSympathyTrustWorthy
Education Achievements&AwardsBoardingSchoolChangesinEducationCollege,UniversityElementarySchoolFailuresGradesGraduateSchool,GradSchoolGraduationHighSchoolJuniorHighKindergartenMiddleSchoolMilitaryAcademyPreschoolProfessorsPunishmentsSchools(Types)SchoolyardBulliesSpecialEducationTeachersTeaching
Key Words List
storycorps.org 25
Family CharactersConnectionswiththeFamousCustomsExpressionsFamilySongsFeudsGenealogyHeroesHomeJokesLegendsNamingNicknamesReunionsRivalriesTraditionsTrips&ExcursionsWarStories
FoodBakingCookingDrinkingEatingEthnicFoodsFavoriteFoodsRecipesRitualFoods
Historical Eras 1940’s,Forties1950’s,Fifties 1960’s,Sixties1970’s,Seventies1980’s,Eighties1990’s,Nineties2000’sCivilRightsMovementOperationEnduringFreedomIraqWarKoreanWarOperationIraqiFreedomVietnamWarWarinAfghanistan,AfghanWarWaronTerror9/11/01,Sept.11,9/11 WorldTradeCenterbombing(1993)
WorldWarII,WWII,SecondWorldWarColdWarPearlHarborGreatDepressionVictoryinEuropeDayGulfWarVictoryinJapanDayHurricaneKatrina
HolidaysCarnival,MardiGrasChineseNewYearChristmasCincodeMayoColumbusDayDíadelosmuertosDivaliEasterGoodFridayHalloweenHannukahIndependenceDay,July4JuneteenthKwanzaaLaborDayLentMayDayMemorialDayNewYear’sDayPassoverRamadanReligiousCelebrationsSaint’sDaySaintPatrick’sDayThanksgivingValentine’sDayVeteran’sDayYomKippur
IdentityAssimilationAcculturationBisexualCitizenshipEthnicIdentityGenderIdentityHeterosexualLesbianFemaleIdentity,Womanhood
MaleIdentity,ManhoodTransgenderedIdentityGenerationalIdentityMiddleClassNationalIdentityPetsPovertyRacialIdentityRegionalIdentitySexualIdentityGay,HomosexualQueerSocialClassTribalIdentityWealth
Natural DisastersDestructionEarthquakesFloodsEscapeandSurvivalFiresFloodsHurricanesReliefOrganizationsRescueTornadosTsunamis
Music and SongComposingFavoriteSongsInstrumentMakingInstrumentPlayingListeningHabitsSinging
TransportationAirplanesBicyclesBoatsBusesCarsMotorcyclesRailroadTrainsSubwayTrainsStreetcars,TrolleysTaxisWalking
storycorps.org 26
Sample Participant Schedule
Inte
rvie
ws
for
May
201
1
Wed
nesd
ay,
May
4:1
pm
Part
icip
ant1
Stor
ytel
ler(
Firs
tna
me,
last
init
ial)
Doe
sth
epe
rson
ha
vem
emor
ylo
ss?
Part
icip
ant2
Inte
rvie
wer
(Fir
st
nam
e,la
stin
itia
l)
Phon
enu
mbe
r(i
nclu
dea
rea
code
),
emai
ladd
ress
Rela
tion
ship
.Als
ono
tes
incl
udin
gsp
ecia
lnee
ds:
Frid
ay,
May
6:1
2pm
Thur
sday
,M
ay1
2:4
pm
Frid
ay,
May
13:
1pm
Tues
day,
M
ay2
5:3
pm
Frid
ay,
May
28:
12p
m
storycorps.org 27
Mynameis____________andtodayI’mtalkingwithmy____________.
Today’sdateis____________andwe’rein_______________.
INTRODUCTION CARD
Interview Introduction Card
RELATIONSHIP,NAME
ORGANIZATIONNAMEORCITY
storycorps.org 30
Sample Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: LibraryName
CONTACT:LibraryNameContactName|PhoneNumberEmail
[LIBRARYNAME]torecordinterviewsaspartofthe[NAMEOFPROGRAM]
DATE-[LIBRARYNAME]willbeginrecordingtheimportantvoicesofitscommunity,includingstoriesofthepeopleitservesandtheirfamiliesandfriends.[NAMEOFPROGRAM]isinspiredbyStoryCorps@yourlibrary,anationalprogramdesignedtohelppubliclibrariesacrossthecountrycollectthestoriesoftheircommunities.
INFORMATIONABOUTPROGRAM
InspiredbytheStoryCorpsmodel,[NAMEOFPROGRAM]interviewsarerecordedconversationsbetweentwopeoplewhoknowandcareabouteachother.
CONTACTINFORMATIONANDADDITIONALINFORMATIONONHOWPARTICIPANTSCANRECORDSTORY
About [Library Name]
LIBRARY BOILERPLATE