Using Pamphlets and Annual Reports

Introduction

Choosing Your Topic

Conducting a Preliminary Search

Narrowing Your Topic

Defining a Research Question

Developing a Working Bibliography

Finding Sources in a Library

Asking Questions about Your Library

Using Your Library Catalog

Using Reference Materials

Using Periodical Indexes and Bibliographies

Using Microform Reference Resources

Using Government Documents

Using Pamphlets and Annual Reports

Using Interlibrary Loan

Working with Librarians

Finding Sources on the Internet

Finding Sources in the Field

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Using Pamphlets and Annual Reports

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When journalists need information, they typically get on the phone and make contacts, going directly to sources that can fill them in. You too can get pamphlets, brochures, reports, and annual reports by calling organizations or companies directly. The Encyclopedia of Associations is a useful guide to organizations, categorized by name and subject. For government agencies, try the United States Government Manual.

Your library may have already done some of the legwork for you. Many libraries maintain a vertical file in which you can find pamphlets organized by subject. Take information from such sources with a grain of salt — annual reports tend to paint a glowing picture of the companies they cover, and organizations advocating particular points of view will not hesitate to put their information in the most persuasive terms possible.

Writing Guides

An Introduction to Research Processes

Using Pamphlets and Annual Reports