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Chapter 24 introduces you to advanced research skills, including the use of specialized indexes, reference works and libraries; the use of Internet discussion lists (both synchronous and asynchronous); and some techniques of field research. By the end of the chapter, you should understand the following: 1. Your library holds a number of specialized indexes, many of which are available both in print and online formats. 2. Your library holds a wealth of reference materials that are especially useful when starting a research project because they afford broad overviews and useful synopses of recent research. 3. There are libraries that are dedicated to particular subjects and disciplines, as well as professional organizations that provide valuable information on various businesses, industries, and government agencies. 4. You can learn a lot about a topic by joining various discourse communities on the Internet, using such utilities as listserv lists, Usenet newsgroups, real-time chat rooms, and MOOs. 5. You can do field research, gathering information by careful observation, interviews, and conducting surveys through the use of questionnaires.
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