How to Create Your GitHub Repository from the Template

This guide shows you how to create your own copy of the Oral History as Data project template on GitHub.

When You Need This

• You’re starting a new Oral History as Data project
• You want to create your own version of the site to customize
• You need a GitHub repository to host your project

Step 1: Access the Template Repository

1. Go to the OHD template
   • Open your web browser
   • Navigate to https://github.com/oralhistoryasdata/csv-version
   • Make sure you’re logged into your GitHub account
2. Click the “Use this template” button
   • Look for the green “Use this template” button near the top of the page
   • Click this button to begin creating your own copy
3. Select “Create a new repository” from the dropdown menu

Step 2: Configure Your New Repository

1. Fill in repository details
   • Repository name: Choose a descriptive name (e.g., “family-oral-histories” or “community-interview-project”)
   • Description: Add a brief description of your project
   • Visibility: Choose “Public” unless you have specific privacy needs
   • Leave other settings at their defaults
2. Click “Create repository” button
   • This button is at the bottom of the form
   • GitHub will create your new repository with a copy of all OHD files

Step 3: Explore Your New Repository

1. Wait for creation to complete
   • GitHub will automatically redirect you to your new repository
2. Familiarize yourself with the structure
   • Your repository now contains all the files from the original template
   • Key directories include:
     • _data/: Contains metadata and configuration files
     • _includes/ and _layouts/: Template files for the site
     • pages/: Web pages content
     • objects/: Storage for media files

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem	Solution
“Use this template” button is missing	You may need to log in to GitHub first
Error during repository creation	Try a different repository name (names must be unique to your account)
Can’t find your new repository	Go to your GitHub profile page and check the “Repositories” tab

Next Steps

After creating your repository:

1. Configure your site settings by editing _config.yml
2. Add your collection metadata and transcript files
3. Publish your site using GitHub Pages

Remember that your new repository is completely independent from the original template. Any changes you make will only affect your copy.