Oral History Program (OHP)

The University of South Florida Libraries Oral History Program Vision Statement

 

The University of South Florida Libraries are engaged in recording, preserving, and disseminating oral history interviews that reflect library collection initiatives, support the academic community, and emphasize the value of primary resources in instruction and research.

About the Oral History Program

Florida has been described as a bellwether state, and its unprecedented growth in the 20th century offers scholars an unparalleled opportunity to investigate pressing political, economic, social, and cultural issues. The Oral History Program’s areas of emphasis explore complex international issues in a local context. The Program has also supported the research of scholars, students, and the community through programming, workshops, and outreach.

The USF Libraries Oral History Program records original interviews and provides free, open online access through our collections repository. Through our Oral History Program interface (OHPi) patrons can listen to the interview audio and read in sync with the transcript, which is also available for download. These primary sources complement library collections, providing qualitative research materials for scholars exploring a variety of local, national, and international issues. Patrons around the world can mine this rich resource to research the program’s key areas of emphasis: Environmental Studies and Sustainability, and Florida and local history.

Environmental Studies and Sustainability – The allocation of non-renewable natural resources is a vital issue in the 21st century. These oral histories explore global, urban, and environmental issues within a Florida context.

Florida and Local History – Unprecedented global migration over the last century compels scholars to understand the roles of culture and identity within American society.  This collection provides scholars with rich primary source material relating to race, ethnicity, and gender.

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