This first of nine related reports describes the procedures used in a study which gathered data on 80 presearch interviews in seven medical libraries. The study was conducted (1) to identify verbal and nonverbal behaviors that facilitate, maintain, or impede information exchange in interviews between search intermediaries and library users requesting online bibliographic searches; (2) to identify tasks that are accomplished by the librarian to facilitate information exchange; and (3) to objectively code videotaped presearch interviews in terms of the extent to which those tasks were accomplished. Chapters address the choice of libraries and the development of procedures, interview schedules, and questionnaires; procedures in each library; stimulated recall procedures with requesters and with librarians; questionnaires and permission forms; and the time table and staff commitments. Appendices contain sample forms, questionnaires, and other supporting materials. (FM)