In the recording of an oral history, or even using someone’s photographs in a public space project, it is always a good idea to get written permission to use your subject’s information. It is not a given that any subject WILL change their mind, but in the event they do your project will still be able to go forward and use their information because you had them sign a release form. It is basically a legal document that protects you and anyone associated with your project from any lawsuits against you for simply using your subject’s words or photographs as part of your project.

Here are some links to various examples of release forms from programs around the country:

http://smccd.net/accounts/brenner/lsci110/OralHistoryReleaseForm.html
-Release form from the San Mateo County Oral History Project

http://web.nmsu.edu/~publhist/ohindex.htm#Appendix%20B--iscellaneous%20Oral%20History%20Forms
-Various release forms from New Mexico State University

http://www.lib.lsu.edu/special/williams/forms.html
-Collection of forms from Louisiana State University

http://secure.uslegalforms.com/cgi-bin/forms/query.pl?S-T-US-B-release
-Legal release forms of all kinds

http://www.bland.k12.va.us/bland/rocky/transportable/forms.html
-A release form used by high school students in Virginia

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