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Outlines legal issues that could affect oral historians in the United States. Why the law of defamation is one of the most potentially troublesome for oral historians; Types of cases that usually receive media attention; What oral historians should be aware of on the Internet.

Reports that the case `Hi-Tech Video Productions Incorporated versus Capital Cities/ABC' has offered insights and warnings to oral historians on copyright issues, which range from the `work made for hire' doctrine' to the `fair use' defense. Suggestion that copyright infringement suits are not solely the property of major copyright holders; Details of incident which triggered Hi-tech's law suit.

Discusses several legal issues related to electronic publishing in the United States. Application of copyright and libel laws to multimedia; Obtaining a license to use a pre-existing work; Copyright infringement; Use of appropriate language regarding future use in standard release agreements; Lawsuits that illustrate the legal aspects of electronic publishing.

Discusses a lawsuit concerning tapes of oral history interviews conducted in relation to the writing of the book `The Life and Curious Death of Marilyn Monroe.' Defamation of biographer Robert Slatzer by biographer Donald Spoto; Restriction of access to tapes and papers; Researcher privilege.

Reports that Milwaukee and Wisconsin firms that produce items regionally and nationally recognized as representative of the Dairy State are being contacted for Oral History Association (OHA) silent auction donations. Names of some firms.