Guidelines for taking oral histories are presented in this guide. The guide was developed for a project to teach Nicaraguan literacy teachers how to record personal narratives for the purpose of preserving cultural history and heritage. An introductory chapter discusses the distinction and relationship between "testimony," which generally requires interviewing, and "history," which is largely archival, and emphasizes that this form of oral history is being recorded from the point of view of ordinary people, not the dominant classes. The second chapter offers specific techniques for taking oral histories, including the preparation stage, development of questionnaires, interviewing, using a tape recorder, taking notes, transcription, creating an archive, and ethical considerations. Chapter three addresses the gathering of complementary information, such as supporting documents and materials and graphic material, including photographs. Montage or assembly of the testimony is the subject of the next chapter. Editing and the inclusion of the interviewer in the testimony are discussed here. A brief final chapter offers suggestions for evaluating the work and the product. A brief bibliography is included. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)