• 1. Inform the narrator in advance of the conditions & subject of the interview. Obtain or develop copyright clearance form.
• 2. Test your equipment before going to the interview .... & after your arrive. Take recorder, pre-labelled C60 tapes, microphones, spare batteries, spare tapes, soft pad for recorder to avoid vibration noise.
• 3. Set up in best location for low noise, sound reflection, interruptions etc.and check that you are both comfortable (finish tea, toilets etc.) before starting.
• 4. Explain procedure of interview, answer questions, complete clearance form.
• 5. Allow for blank section at beginning of cassette tapes & have a few seconds of "lead time" and record the date, place and get participants to state names at the beginning of the interview. Play back through headphones as final test, remove headphones and GO!
• 6. Don't forget to check tape before 30 min. at suitable point and turn over to side two. Waste tape rather than the narrator's evidence when tape runs out. At end of side two remove safety "tabs" on the cassette immediately after you finish with it, recorded cannot be erased.
• 7. Watch the time, don't overtire the narrator or yourself. It is usually possible to arrange another session if it is going well.
• 8. Review interview at the end with narrator, thank them & inform them what feedback or other support you will give. Get copyright form endorsed and countersign.
• 9. Complete labelling, & store tapes in cassette boxes in cool, dry, dust-free areas. Consider suitable archiving of originals e.g. National Life Story Collection at British Library. Transcribe!

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