Getting a library card and reading card at any one of these institutions will provide you with access to all kinds of invaluable books, maga-zines, maps, reference materials, rare collec-tions, and most important of all, knowledge-able librarians who can personally assist you in your research. | INTERVIEWING PRIMARY SOURCES 1. an official from the EPA Environmental Protection Agency 2. a local politician or local elected representative 3. an informed citizen 4. the local Department of Conservation and Water Protection 5. an informed scientist or biologist 6. a member of a local civic group Materials for a Formal Interview Most individuals no matter how hectic their work schedules are love to talk about what they know and do best. However it is important to be prepared with the right equipment and questions before you interview anyone. For any interview you will need a small hand-held tape recorder with an extra set of batteries a blank tape a note pad two writing utensils Most people do not object to having a tape recorder record their conversation but it is always polite to ask beforehand if a tape recorder is acceptable. There are individuals who prefer not to be recorded or feel that the presence of a tape recorder makes them nervous. Always remember to pack extra batteries just in case your tape recorder runs out of power and always bring along a pad to take notes throughout the interview even if you have a tape recorder playing. This allows you to have a backup in case there is some malfunction with your tape recorder and taking notes helps you to pay better attention as the interview is progressing. In addition always bring along more than one pen or pencil. Questioning Your Interviewee Before you proceed with your interview make a list of five relevant questions so that you begin your interview with a focus. Normally people enjoy speaking and often wander off the topic. While their information is often interesting your questions help the interviewee stay focused on the topic at hand. Let s say that you are interviewing the first name on your list an official from the Environmental Protection Agency. Your five questions should be general enough to cover all the relevant information while also containing specific questions that might apply to your .
