Transcribing Fairground Stories: Archival Skills Workshop

Join students Anna, Sam and Petar for an engaging introduction to transcription skills in study, research, and careers in GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums).

**Please note: This workshop is open to University of Sheffield students and staff only**

Interested in archives, oral histories, or simply learning something new? 

Join our student-led skill-sharing session, for a relaxed chance to learn, collaborate, and discover how you can make historic and overlooked voices accessible for research today.

In this workshop, we will focus on introducing others to transcription and its role in archival work. We will also touch on oral histories, their importance, and their limitations. 

As beginners ourselves, the session will draw on our personal experiences with transcription in our recent placement with The National Fairground and Circus Archive. Discover the roadblocks we were met with along the way, and how we managed to overcome them. 

The workshop is also an excellent way to add skills to your CV. It will serve as an opportunity to expand transferable skills such as attention to detail through oral history transcriptions. It will also provide sector-specific knowledge and experience. As transcription is a valuable skill in the job market, this workshop will allow participants to broaden their employability prospects and support their professional development.

As we are living in an increasingly digital age, we will also critically examine GenAI tools, and why human intervention is still a crucial asset in the current landscape. We will discuss why we believe people to still be essential to the process, and our own experiences with using AI for our oral history transcriptions.

You’ll gain hands-on experience of a transcription task. Explore emerging technologies with a practical demonstration of tools and softwares. Then, apply the skills you’ve acquired by transcribing a short audio clip that we will play. We have also allocated dedicated time for any questions that you may have.

After the session, there will be an optional opportunity to network with other students and staff members. Chat with like-minded people interested or involved in GLAM careers, and get to know more about The National Fairground and Circus Archive. Snacks provided! 

Don’t worry if any of these concepts are new to you. We will demystify all these terms, and more. No prior knowledge nor preparation required. 

Book a place to let us know you’re coming. We look forward to seeing you there!

Anna Felix, MA English

Sam Hadley, MA English

Petar Pesic, MA History 

The National Fairground and Circus Archive strive to make our events as inclusive and welcoming as possible. Please get in touch with any access needs ahead of the event by emailing Abby Boon (Digital Engagement Officer): a.e.boon@sheffield.ac.uk