Handbook
Talking Quilts developed a Handbook that gives advice on how to conduct an oral history interview, photographing and transcribing interviews, as well as more information about the Project and how it was delivered.
The Talking Quilts Handbook is available to down-load by clicking on the handbook image to the right. We are creating an additional handbook for those of you who may wish to borrow equipment to create your own quilting stories. If you require any information in the interim, please email: library@quiltersguild.org.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible. The Talking Quilts Handbook is subject to copyright and is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial – Share Alike License. Please read the Terms of Use Statement on page 1 of the handbook for more information.
The Handbook has constantly evolved as we learnt valuable lessons from our volunteers and interviewees. Along the way we have also sought the advice of oral historians and, higher education, information management and museum professionals. Therefore the information provided in the Handbook has been tried and tested, creating a template that we hope can be used and adapted by anyone who is interested in oral history interviewing.
Please note that the Handbook is published in the format that was used when the project was “live”. You may wish to substitute references such as “obtain an ID number from Talking Quilts Project Manager by phone or email” with your own ID numbering system or nominated project manager or contact person.
Have a go!
The audio recording equipment, comprising digital Zoom H4n recorders and accessories, is available for members of The Guild to borrow (subject to postage, administration and insurance costs) so that you can create your own collection. Kate Smith, a volunteer who oversees The Guild Library has kindly agreed to handle enquiries and loans. As the library is looked after by volunteers, requests may take time to process, so please make sure that you enquire about the loan of equipment some time ahead of when you would like to borrow it. You may borrow the recording kits over a period of two or three months giving plenty of time to conduct and process a number of interviews. For further information email: library@quiltersguild.org.uk