Copyright and Oral History Interviews

Recordings of oral histories typically include copyrightable content content from an interviewer and an interviewee. Obtaining releases at the outset improves the university’s ability to use oral histories. 

See our guide to copyright and oral history interviews for best practice and sample release forms.

Research requirements

Oral histories may also include information about the interviewee or others that is otherwise protected from disclosure. This includes the case of privacy law, research protocols, and promises the interviewer makes to the interviewee. 

If you are conducting research with human subjects, you must obtain approval from the appropriate Institutional Review Board. 

Questions? Contact the Library Copyright Office at copyright@umich.edu.