Research is nothing new.  It is a report on something old, a conglomoration of information that someone else has labored over for months, years, or maybe even decades of their lives.  Sometimes research leads to a new result, but for the purpose at hand we are concerned only with obtaining raw data.  The reporting of cold, hard facts.  Numbers.  Statistics.

For the sake of simplicity, I have broken down research into two basic realms: Personal and Topical.  The convenient appendix will guide you in locating most information.

The trick for the researcher in this capacity is the ability to locate already existing data.  And there are many means to this end.  The goal is often to obtain the most efficient route to locate the desired information.  Speed and accuarcy of data are the main concerns.

Technology has allowed us to find out anything from right behind our desks with nothing more than a telephone (and possibly a credit card).  A computer and fax machine is nice, but not essential.

I hope this brief guide will help you in your quest for the right answer.
 

This is the greatest resource known to man.  Period.  If you are allowed only one phone call to find an answer, call this number.  The reference librarian can find out almost anything.  And if they can't get you the information, they can at least point you toward the right source.
 

Better than a regular index card catalog because you can enter any word or phrase and the computer will find every reference to it.  (Example: Enter the phrase "public relations" and every entry with those words will appear.)  It is good to know the Dewey Decimal System to help you locate the books.  If you don't understand the Dewey Decimal System....ask the Reference Librarian!
 

A very handy resource for current magazine articles pertaining to your research sorted by subject.  This is invaluable when you are searching for current events or leading edge technology topics.
 

Many libraries are connected to computer database resources.  The Internet has made many of these resources available directly to the user, but it is handy to have someone else hunt down the information for you.
 

If you have a library card today, you probably have access to every library in you county or region.  This means that even if your library doesn't have the book, magazine, video, or computer disk you want, they can probably get it pretty quick.
 

• Information (411)  The Information number (411) is now a national directory service.  Many times you can find a number for anywhere in the country right from your local Information operator, but sometimes calling the local information for a specific area (area code+555-1212) works better.

• The Telephone Book  A simple, yet often overlooked resource.  There is a wealth of information here including: Quick Reference Emergency numbers, local area codes, local postal zip codes, local area street maps, travel information (like lowest airline fares to selected cities), news and weather information, and consumer information (in addition to the Yellow Pages).  Residential information contains telephone numbers and street addresses.

• The Polk City Directory  Lots of useful information arranged in several different orders here.  1. Classified Business Directory (contains business and professional information in alphabetical order with owners, officers, principals, number of employees, address, and telephone number listed.  Alphabetical Directory lists name, spouse's name, occupation, address, designation of owner-occupied, and telephone number of each adult resident. 3. Street Address Directory is a directory of numbered streets in alphabetical order by street name and in numerical order under the name of each street, with the names of all adult residents listed.  The names of intersecting streets appear at their respective crossing points on each street.  Symbols denote new homeowners and note the length of residence.  4. Numerical Telephone Directory is printed in telephone number order and lists customer name and address.

• Governmental Agencies  There is lots of information available for the asking through governmental agencies.  Even some formerly classified information is available through the Freedom of Information Act.

• The Library

• The Library

• The Library Why pour laboriously over books when there are hundreds of people at library reference desks around the globe eagerly waiting to answer your questions?  What's more, most reference librarians thrive on solving new problems and take professional satisfaction in finding answers to questions you pose to them.  A word of wisdom: a kind word or compliment and a courteous demeanor will go a long way. (This is true at all times and circumstances in life.) (Did you guess that I like the library yet?)

• People  Sometimes we go right around the obvious source of information.  Maybe a published source of information is the best way to find what you need, but don't discount your human sources.  Professionals can usually point you to the best reference materials in their fields of expertise...or tell you exactly what you need to know.

• The Internet  For the cost of a local phone call you can hunt through computer databases around the world.  How this works is beyond the scope of this brief pamphlet, but trust me, it does.  From current events (up to the second articles in Time Magazine and the Chicago Tribune), to on-line travel arrangements through the Sabre Network, to the Home Shopping Network, to the Complete Calvin and Hobbes Cartoon Anthology, you can find it (whatever it is) on the net.  You don't have to be a rocket scientist to use it either. (Maybe to set it up on your home computer system, but not to use it.)

• Consulate General  A good source for both personal and topical information related to a foreign country.  For security reasons, some consulates may take your request and return the call with the requested information.

Ameritech Customer Name and Address (Illinois only)........................................(847)796-9600
Information for ANY city..................................................................(AREA CODE)+555-1212
Chicago Harold Washington Library (Reference).................................................(312)747-4300
Chicago H.W. Library (Address Reference Service)............................................(312)747-4330
Xerox Copy Center (inside Harold Washington Library!!!)...................................(312)431-1033
Skokie Public Library..........................................................................................(847)673-7774
International Operator / US Navy Ships Underway & other services.........................................00
Springfield Public Library (Night Owl Service open til midnight)............................(217)753-4900
Any Large Corporation........................................................................................(800)555-1212
White House Switchboard....................................................................................(202)225-3121
Southwest Airlines (for low fares)..........................................................................(800)435-9792
 

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© 1997 ptaylor.cfcmi@juno.com