Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Books on research?

This is topic Books on research? in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Dulci (Member # 5051) on :

This may sound like a silly question, but are there any (good) books that teach you how to go about doing research? I like to keep my details as straight as I can, but I can only google about half of what I want to know.

And here's an example of something I have no idea how to find out: I need to know what goes on in family/military communications when a soldier is wounded. Now how in the world do I find THAT out? I can't exactly quiz such a family! Things of that nature...well, I'm at a loss.

Posted by Skribent (Member # 5143) on :

Here's something to help with your military question:
http://www.marineparents.com/usmc/next-of-kin.asp

As for your question on research, yes, Google is great, but half the time I end up at the library. Sometimes you just have to play around with the words you input when you do a Google search. I also stumbled across NYU's journalism resource site. They have some helpful hints at how to research stuff on the internet:
http://journalism.nyu.edu/currentstudents/resources/digital/search.html

Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :

Good NYU link - cool!

Reference librarians are a treasure trove.

Posted by Dulci (Member # 5051) on :

Wow, that is a great link! Thanks!

Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :

Go to the library. There are many, MANY resources available at the library that are not available via the Internet. Go to your local bookseller. Ditto the reason.

For military stories, contact your local Veteran's association. You will find many people glad to talk of their experience, and who can give you insights into the emotions of the events you can't get from reading dry, historical facts. (Maybe even volunteer and get to know them?)

Newspapers keep archives. Our local paper is archived in the local and state libraries via microfiche, clear back to the 1800's. You would be amazed what you can learn about society just reading a few months worth of old newspapers, especially if you read the ads, too. Check with museums that specialize in the type of military history/artifacts that interest you.

If the only research you are doing is from your computer, you are missing the boat.

[This message has been edited by Elan (edited April 09, 2007).]

[This message has been edited by Elan (edited April 10, 2007).]