The Tape-Recorded Interview: A Manual for Fieldworkers in Folklore and Oral History

by Edward D. Ives

Since 1980,  The Tape-Recorded Interview  has been an essential resource for folklorists and oral historians—indeed, for anyone who uses a tape recorder in field research. Now, Sandy Ives has updated this manual to reflect the current preferences in tape-recording technology and equipment. When this book was first published, the reel-to-reel recorder was the favored format for fieldwork. Because the cassette recorder has almost completely replaced it, Ives has revised the first chapter, “How a Tape Recorder Works,” accordingly and has included a useful discussion of the differences between analog and digital recording. He has also added a brief section on video, updated the bibliography, and reworked his original comments on tape cataloging and transcription. As in the first edition, Ives’s emphasis is on documenting the lives of common men and women. He offers a careful, step-by-step tour through the collection process—finding informants, making advance preparations, conducting the actual interview, obtaining a release—and then describes the procedures for processing the taped interview and archiving such materials for future use. He also gives special treatment to such topics as recording music, handling group interviews, and using photographs or other visual material during interviews.

Genres: Folklore, Nonfiction, Oral History

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1980

About the author

Edward Dawson Ives

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite topics to read about is old media. I feel so lucky to have found a copy of this book - first published in 1995 - that investigates the role of the tape recorder in oral history interviews, particularly for gathering folkloric materials.

The first section reviews the tape recorder and its role in conducting an oral history interview. While such a chapter may seem redundant, actually reviewing and considering how this old media platform was used in interviewing offers a profound moment of both reflection and context for those of us who record interviews digitally. This chapter is also a fine history of the tape recorder, rather than merely the tape player.

The usefulness of the book increases through the discussion of the interview process. Ives presents the challenges and problems that may emerge through interviewing, and offers solutions to them. There is also a strong section on transcribing and preservation of the interviews.

This is an important book in oral historiography. It reminds us of our analogue heritage and the lessons we must continue to learn and apply in a digital environment. Ives is also a magnificent writer, so the tone and engagement with the reader is appropriate and considered.

[Madly Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My work is never done! Excellent book on how to record Oral History, ghost stories, and other related memories in the field.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has a really cute discussion of how to use a tape recorder! Great stuff.