Questions to ask before you make an appointment to do an interview
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Who has knowledge in the topic you've picked?
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(Ask your parents or teacher for suggestions if you can't think of anyone).
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Who has lived through the time period you are writing about?
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Who may have photographs related to your topic
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What is the best way to do the interview?
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Can you go to their house and talk to them in person?
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Will they be making a trip to your community in the near future, so you
could interview them then?
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Could you call them and do the interview by phone?
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Would they respond to a letter, answering your questions?
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If you sent them a tape, would them record onto it and answer your questions?
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Relatives
Would one of your relatives know something about
your topic?
If you have a relative who knows about your topic, this will
be an easy way to do a first interview, because they usually love talking
about their life, with someone they care about. Even if you think
"old fogies" can't remember anything, you will be surprised about how good
their memory may be when it comes to "the good old days."
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Call and make an appointment, the same way you would
if it were a stranger.
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Explain what you are researching, and the information you are hoping to
find.
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Ask if they would know something about those areas.
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If they do, then make an appointment in the near future, and set a time.
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Let them know you want to record the interview.
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Thank them for their help
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Neighbors
 Your
neighbors will also be interested in you and what you are doing and will
be willing to help. (That is if you haven't broken too many windows, or
been obnoxious!) Visit with your parents and teacher and determine
who you know, who may know about your topic. When you call to make
the appointment, ask them if they know anyone else who would be good to
talk to. Remember you are a detective, tracking down information!
Call and make an appointment, the same way you would if it were a stranger.
Explain what you are researching, and the information you are hoping to
find.
Ask if they would know something about those areas. I
If they do, then make an appointment in the near future, and set a time.
Let them know you want to record the interview.
Thank them for their help
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Teachers, both active and retired
Teachers, whether they are still teaching or not, are great
resources in a wide variety of topics. Usually they love learning,
and are well read. They would be able to provide good information,
or help you find it. Again, ask for help in determining who would
be the best resource. Ask lots of questions. That's the best
way to locate good informants.
Follow the same procedure listed above for making
an appointment.
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Businessmen/women
Every business has a history, and perhaps that history will
fit in with your research topic. Ask yourself what businesses have
been in your community the longest? What families are connected with
the business? What kinds of records might they have?
Get help from an adult if you run into problems. These are some possible
resources businesses may have
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Scrapbooks with clippings of historic events related to the business
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Photograph collections showing the evolution of the business
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Old newspaper ads and articles
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Personal journal entries and diaries of owners, and employees
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Receipt books, ledgers, and business documents
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Letters
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Other?
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Government workers
There are many people who work for the federal and state government
and many of them have specialized training or knowledge which will may
help you with your research. Ask your parents or teacher for ideas
of people in these agencies who may have specific training or information
on your topic. Some of the specialized areas may be:
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Land management, grazing, soil conservation: BLM
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Forest lands, recreation, parks: US forest service, National Park Service,
Utah State Parks and Recreation
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Indian Affairs: BIA
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Social issues and problems: Utah Department of Human Resources
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Hunt, game animals: Division of Wildlife resources
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Water development, dams, reservoirs: Bureau of Reclamation, Water Conservancy
Districts
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Law enforcement: local, county, state, or federal officers
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 Specialists
A person doesn't necessarily need a college degree to be a
specialist in an area. People may become experts in some area because
of one of these reasons.
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they read a lot and have learned specific kinds of information
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they have work experience in that area
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they have a hobby in a particular area
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they have special aptitudes and training
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