While traditional oral history focuses on the individual interviewer and narrator, this model relies on collaboration between oral history faculty and the college archives. Key components of the model are core interview questions, a digital interview portfolio, and a method to access the oral histories for wide access and use by researchers.

Core questions offers researchers a systematic method to conduct preliminary content analysis across interviews. This content analysis tool offers a standardized method by which to identify interview topics and themes, consistencies, and inconsistencies, thereby, discovering new avenues of research and questions.

To discover more about this model in practice, visit the What We Owe: Columbia College Chicago Oral History Model in Action. page.

Explore the other oral history projects at the Columbia College Chicago Oral History Projects page.

Questions or comments about the oral history model can be directed to Archives & Special Collections, Columbia College Chicago.