Best Practices for Embedding Videos on Oral History Websites

Abstract

The study investigates current technical practices for viewing video on the internet. The study also investigates common features of oral history websites that contain video for viewing. 50 websites that contain video for viewing were analyzed for various features such as video upload capability, closed captioning or transcript presence, and video format(s) utilized or accepted. Review of the oral history websites revealed that long interviews are best broken into shorter video segments. Also, the presence of transcripts is helpful to viewers. In addition, research was conducted for recommendations for the creation of best quality videos and most common practices. It was found that the MPEG-4 video format produces a reliable, quality image. An oral history website about the Utica Psychiatric Center was created utilizing these recommendations. The website features videos of interviews with former employees. User testing was employed to critique the website.