Oral history and the librarian

Abstract

The last few days in this country have witnessed activities all over the states, embarked by local Historical Societies. These not only revealed but also amplified one distinct point to the librarians. There is a dire thirst for information of local history right among us. Satisfaction of this need should be the top priority for the harmonious survival of our heritage. One factor that could meet such needs is Oral History, because it is a unique primary source material obtained by recording the spoken words generally by means of planned - tape recorded interviews of persons who actually participated in the shaping of an era. However, sad it is to say, the important history of our time is dying ever day , with the passing of important persons , especially those important t o local history. Very few among us still have relatives that could relate their experiences of early British Malaya. Very soon there would be none left to relat e first hand knowledge of t he Japanese Occupation" If after t hi s colloquium, there is going t o be a strong drive to spur acquisition and preservation of Or a l History collection, the librarians too would be actively involved as the custodian, and a role more recently recognized , dissernrninator of such primary source material. This paper will therefore attempt to justify what contributions the librarian can offer towards Oral History.