This Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP) report provides information on the nature of oral tradition/history; the role of recorded oral history as documentation in the absence of written records, or as a supplement where written records exist; problems in recording and administering such materials; and basic considerations involved in their use. The study is intended for archivists, curators, historical administrators, and other information specialists, and its conclusions are based upon the experience of professional programs in various parts of the world, including developing countries. The report includes the following sections: (1) Introduction: Oral Tradition and Oral History; (2) The Historiographic Context of Oral History and Oral Tradition; (3) The History of Oral History and Oral Tradition; (4) The Varieties of Oral History and Oral Tradition; (5) Recording Oral History and Oral Tradition; (6) Equipment and Technology; (7) Archival Management of the Record; (8) Finding Aids and Access; (9) Ethical and Legal Issues; (10) Uses of Oral History and Oral Tradition; (11) Survey of Archives and Oral Tradition; (12) Guidelines for Oral History; and (13) a 50-item bibliography. (THC)