IOH FAQs
Where is the Institute located?
The Institute for Oral History is located on the third floor of Carroll Library, at the corner of Fifth and Speight Streets, on the campus of Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. Our suite of offices overlooks the scenic Baylor Quadrangle, site of the university's original central campus, flanked by the towers of its oldest buildings, Old Main and Georgia Burleson Hall. View a campus map.
How does the Institute decide whom to interview?
The Institute for Oral History chooses interviewees whose recollections best fit within one of our collections. If you know of someone whose life experience fits within our projects, you may let us know about that person and why you think their stories would contribute to our oral history collection. To nominate someone for an interview, complete and return our Interviewee Nomination Form. An even better alternative is for you to prepare to interview the person yourself. We can provide you guidance and training in oral history techniques so that you can interview people you know whose stories and memories deserve preserving. Begin your training here.
Will the Institute accept my interview recordings for transcribing?
The Institute for Oral History does not offer transcribing services to the general public. We do not accept video recordings. On a limited basis, we accept audio recordings for accession into our collection if they meet all of the following criteria: Each sound record must be:
1) a recording of an oral history interview, preferably between two people;
2) in playable condition and of a recording quality sufficiently clear for transcription;
3) in a media format compatible with current Institute practice, which is in digital .wav format;
4) on a topic that contributes to the existing collection of the Institute for Oral History;
5) accompanied by a legal release signed by the interviewee;
6) accompanied by a legal release signed by the interviewer, signing over all rights, title, and interest to Baylor University;
7) accompanied by a completed Interview Data Form (available from the Institute);
8) begun with a recorded introduction including name of interviewee, name of interviewer, date and location of interview; and
9) conducted in accordance with the Oral History Association's "Principles and Best Practices for Oral History."
For more information on submitting projects for evaluation, contact us.
What does the Institute offer for Baylor students?
Baylor undergraduate students are welcomed to apply for positions as editorial assistants in the Institute. Our editorial assistants transcribe oral history interview recordings and assist with other clerical needs in the Institute. To apply, contact the Baylor Office of Academic Scholarships and Financial Aid. Baylor undergraduate students who qualify to take certain graduate courses may join Baylor graduate students in taking HIS 5367, Seminar in Oral History (cross listed as AMS5367). Baylor graduate students may also serve assistantships with the Institute. Find out more.