Record the interview on either audiotape or videotape. Many companies and universities now have videotaping facilities available at little or no cost. Such facilities usually have a person who will operate the equipment or will give you a quick run down on the equipment's operation. Use only the standard SF tape speeds for the highest quality picture; don't try to economize with LP or EP speeds. 3/4" U-Matic is best, or Broadcast quality 1/2" SF Betacam. In the interests of standards please avoid other formats such as VHS, Betamax or 8 mm.

If you have to borrow or rent equipment, you should use a portable video cassette recorder with a VHS format. This is the most widely available format and the easiest to transfer to other tape formats.

If you are a novice at video recording, remember that a tripod makes a video cassette recorder easier to use. Unless you are experienced in video recording, keep the shooting simple. Frequent and fancy angle changes may create a distraction to the subject and add little to the product.

Audio recording should be done in standard cassette format at normal standard speech. Do not record on minicassette or reel-to-reel. If you are using audiotape only, bring along a still camera and slide film to take pictures. The camera should be of good quality and in good working order. Center the subject in the viewfinder and focus on the top third of the body