Copyright Guide for Museums and Other Cultural Organizations

16.0 Oral Histories

16.1 Copyright in Oral Histories

Oral histories may be recorded in order to document history such as folklore, the use of artefacts, or aboriginal culture. Copyright may subsist in the oral history, for example, as a dramatic work, literary work, or performer’s performance. The person being recorded may also have rights in the work. If the museum wants to copy or reproduce the recording, it may be necessary for the museum to obtain a release not only from the person making the recording but also from the person being recorded. In some instances, restrictions to access may be placed on these recordings. Such restrictions are not a result of copyright protection but rather are at the option of the museum.

A form is provided in Module 2 for obtaining permission of the person being interviewed to use the materials resulting from the interview such as a recording or photograph.