Earlier in 2011, the federal government has requested comment on proposed changes to the Common Rule, which regulates research on what are termed “human subjects.” Comments were due by October 26, but it will be important for oral historians to keep abreast of the situation as it unfolds (although there have been no developments posted since the deadline). The proposed changes seem to be a very mixed bag for oral history and history—offering both an opportunity to address past concerns about the effect federal regulations, and hence IRB review, have on oral history and potentially new problems for history under the rubric of “information risk.” For more info…
