I know it sounds backward, but I gently insist on a transcription of every oral history tape. On
acid-free paper. It's much easier and faster for the researcher to skim the printed word than to
mess with a tape.
  I justify keeping the tapes because someone, someday might want to hear the voice, study an
accent, possibly interpret the written phrase by the tone of the voice....but so far, I've never
heard of a researcher needing to use that level of detail to prove a point. In fact, no
researcher that I know of, except myself, has even consulted the transcripts we have on file. And
frankly, I found very little that I felt I could use without further documentation.
  Back in the 1980s, two classes of school children here, with the assistance of the Society,
published two books of oral histories. I'd need to check to find out if the interviews they
published were taped.
  Who is likely to use this type of information?  To whom should I be "marketing" the
availability of such information and format?

Cynthia Ogorek
Matteson Historical Museum

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