Abstract
This article presents an oral history description methodology, rooted in both extensible processing practices as well as cultural humility, that results in efficiently-processed but richly-described oral history interviews. The author explores three key questions. Is there a way to process oral history to the golden minimum? Is there a way to process oral history ethically, with an empathetic approach to narrators and the communities they originate from or discuss? And is there a way to do both at the same time? In addition to the application of this descriptive methodology, the article examines the archives and oral history professional ethics that guide descriptive practices when working with the narratives of traditionally marginalized and underrepresented groups. The results of the project show that it is not only possible to approach oral histories with inclusivity and efficiency at the fore, but also that archivists can process with both of these principles successfully. Most importantly, doing so can set the foundation for an inclusive and reparative description program.
Recommended Citation
Stephan, Weatherly A.
(2021)
"The Platinum Rule Meets the Golden Minimum: Inclusive and Efficient Archival Description of Oral Histories,"
Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies: Vol. 8, Article 11.
Available at:
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/jcas/vol8/iss1/11