When writers are interviewed, they do not let us in on what it is that makes them gifted or how they actually write; instead, they give us a performance in the particular imaginative mode that is theirs. They manipulate the interview situation with great style and skill. Examples are provided. (RM)

Presents a collection of "tricks of the trade," for oral history interviewing. The suggested techniques describe ways of questioning and interacting with oral history sources. (JDH)

Discusses factors, such as frequency response and impedance, that need to be considered when purchasing a microphone for interviewing purposes. Examines the various applications and placement of microphones and provides a list of U.S. addresses for the major U.S., European, and Japanese microphone manufacturers. (GEA)

This article provides basic step-by-step guidance on how to preserve, restore, and make available for use a taped collection of oral history interviews. Maintains that recorded sound collections may last almost indefinitely if protected by proper housekeeping practices, storage conditions, maintenance procedures, and use policies. (JDH)

Oral life histories of two drug addicts' prison experiences are used to illustrate the kinds of insights into social problems which can be obtained by this method. (AM)

Reviews the development of the oral history tradition in China. Identifies a number of problems that presently exist in the use of oral history in this country. (RKM)

Discusses William Cutler III's call for using oral history as a methodological resource to study the history of education. Explores the interactive possibilities of oral history and educational history, stating that it allows for the study of the personal grassroots side of educational history. (GEA)

Life history data are especially useful in sociological analysis because the narratives are concrete, contain detailed information, can trace connections between life events, and give access to the interpretations of the individuals involved. Illustrations from research on mothers and daughters are provided. (RM)

Based on the work of William Stephenson, the "Q methodology," formulated in 1935, is compared to classic oral history in a case study of urban renewal. Results showed the methods to be complementary, both providing the same general description of citizen reaction to the project. (JDH)

A problem faced by many oral history projects is what transcription style to use, i.e., should the written word reflect the spoken word in a phonetic manner, or should it be merely a free, non-dialect transcription? How undergraduate students involved in the Appalachian oral history project solved this problem is discussed. (RM)

Discusses the iron tower, a key symbol in the mythology of the Haya people of Northwestern Tanzania, in terms of the historical and symbolic importance of iron production in the area. Through structural analysis, the mythic unification of industrial production and human procreation is clarified. (CS)

Discusses oral history in precolonial and more recent times in the Philippines, with particular emphasis on the activities of the Filipino institutions and scholars engaged currently in oral history projects. Projects are classified by geographical location in the Metro Manila area, in the Visayas, and in Mindanao. (DB)

Describes the development of a processing methodology for oral history tapes--the TAPE System (Timed Access to Pertinent Excerpts). Developed at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, the TAPE system is linked to a philosophy that the sound recording itself is the primary source document. (DB)

Noting importance of use of proper camera techniques to the end product of oral history interviews, this article covers some basic rules of visual composition. Topics covered are (1) field of view; (2) headroom and "talkspace"; (3) natural dividing lines; (4) depth and angles; (5) backgrounds; (6) camera and lens movements; (7) interview set-up;…

A national autobiography competition was conducted for the Finnish people in 1979. Altogether, 137 autobiographies were received. Characteristics of four generations of Finns and changes in historical perspective as revealed in the autobiographies are discussed. (RM)