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Amp Up Your Archives!

Training Recording

This 13 minute video will cover the project scope, what are oral histories, the resources on this libguide to support you through the interview process, the release forms, recording platforms to use while social distancing, tips for a good interview, and additional resources for any oral history project. 

Forms and Resources

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The interviewer release form is a legal document the interviewer signs before conducting an interview. For this project, you only need to fill out this form once.

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This legal document allows the narrator to set the access restrictions and copyright for the interview. Please complete the release form before submitting your interview. 

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Suggested Interview Questions

  • What’s your name? 
  • How old are you?
  • Where do you live? 
  • What is your family life like? 
  • Where did you grow up?/Where are you from?
  • What has shaped your sense of who you are?
  • What are the important things people should know about who you are now?
  • What is your class year?
  • What are you studying?
  • Can you describe your job?
  • Why did you choose Princeton? 
  • What were your expectations? Has the experience been what you expected?
  • What organizations are you a part of? Describe them.
  • What communities are you a part of? Describe them.
  • What is your favorite thing about living in Princeton and/or New Jersey?
  • What is the hardest thing about living in Princeton and/or New Jersey?
  • Do you travel on the weekends? Where to?
  • What is your favorite thing about working at Princeton?
  • What is the hardest thing about working at Princeton?
  • How do you commute to work?
  • What has brought you joy while at Princeton? Describe how you celebrate your joy.
  • What has brought you stress while at Princeton? Describe how you cope with your stresses.

  • How did covid-19 affect your Spring 2020? The rest of the year?
  • What adjustments did you have to make in your personal life? Family life? Social life? Academic life? Work Life?
  • How did you feel during the week of March 9th? How did your feelings change in the following weeks?
  • How did you feel when you were informed the remainder of the semester would be held online? How did you adjust?
  • Did you have to relocate? When? Where did you live while courses were held online?
  • What has been your experience with moving classes online? What's good? What's not so good?
  • Were you able to work from home? 
  • If no, how did it feel to work on campus? Or were you able to work at all?
  • If yes, how did you make that transition?
  • How were you receiving campus news updates? How were you receiving local and national news?
  • What were some of the hardships you experienced?
  • How did you find joy? Comfort?
  • How did you take care of your health (mental and physical)?
  • What was the turning point in the global pandemic for you? 
  • How did you handle your stress?
  • How did you connect with people? Family? Friends? Colleagues?
  • Did you change your spring break plans because of the virus? From what to what?
  • Did any of your plans for work change due to the virus? From what to what?
  • How has the virus (and the precautions taken to prevent it spreading) impacted your daily life?
  • How worried are you about getting the virus?
  • Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?
  • Are you staying in? What are you doing to pass the time?
  • Are you going out? Where do you go and what is it like?
  • Do you have any advice for future students?
  • Do you have anything to say to your future self?
  • Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about what you're feeling or experiencing right now?
  • Is there anything you want to add?