Use & Permissions

All OOHRP interviews are recorded in a digital format (audio or video), transcribed for greater searchability, and - when no restrictions apply - made available through our online collections catalog. Browse our project descriptions through the Oral History Collections page or search our online oral history collections by people or topics.

Some interviews or projects contain additional documentation or items (physical or digital) not available on our digital collections website, including photographs, books, field notes, etc. For requests regarding access to physical objects, project materials, or in-person research assistance, visit the OOHRP office or call/e-mail ahead to schedule time with research staff.

The OOHRP recommends reviewing both the transcript and interview recording when conducting research in our collections. While we strive to provide verbatim transcriptions of what is spoken in an interview as per Oral History Association best practices, we do allow interviewees to review and revise their transcripts primarily for accuracy. As a result, some transcripts and interview recordings may not perfectly align, and it is up to the researcher to properly review, interpret, and cite what is recorded to maintain intellectual honesty and respect to each interview.

If you are interested in using our collections for scholarly or commercial publication, you will need to obtain permission from the Oklahoma State University Library. This includes any content found on our digital collections website, YouTube channel, in our physical holdings, and any other locations where our collection materials are accessible. The Oklahoma Oral History Research Program (OOHRP) will comply with the limitations imposed by copyright and the donor of the materials when granting consent to use. Public use is contingent on materials being properly cited and identified. OOHRP reserves the right to refuse to grant permission to use the materials. In some cases, researchers may be required to obtain written permission from the interviewee or interviewer before directly quoting from the interview.

For any questions regarding restrictions or permissions to use our collections, please contact our office.

Examples of preferred citations

Online recording (include example)

Interview with [interviewee name] by [interviewer name], [interview date], in the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program Collection, Oklahoma State University.
[Interviewee last name, first name]. Interview by [Interviewer full name]. [Interview date], in [city, state in which interview was conducted]. Video recording. Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. [url] (date accessed)

Online Transcript (include example)

[Interviewee last name, first name]. Interview by [Interviewer full name]. [Interview date], in [city, state in which interview was conducted]. Transcript. Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.