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Effective Techniques for Performing Literature Research

It is surprising how little literature research is performed in many industries. The phrase "literature research" is used to convey that it differs from laboratory research. It means finding all the information that others have published about the technologies of interest to you. Just one fact that someone has discovered after years of lab research and published can make a dramatic difference to your company or your career. Technology is changing very rapidly.

In this article, we go on to detail easily mastered skills that will give you the advantage in this type of research. Alternatively, you can contact Redeeming Time Design, explain your desired research to us and our experts will research for you. We go beyond other research services and are more affordable. Learn how we save you money.

Note: This article is under construction.

Topics to cover in this article:

Internet--How to search--typical search engines--how to make the best use of them--links on germane web sites--search for links--most libraries--Excellent links like, Machine Design--using find--pdfs--Make sure to save valuable web sites, not just a favorites link--using caches--copy valuable comments to a word processor document--paste special macro--pasting PDFs--notes are useful documentation & make it easier to relocate and write-up reports.

Engineering Libraries--Journals, Books & microforms--How to acquire--Research services your company may be paying for this already--But you have to pay extra for copyrighted articles--references from other articles--citations index--NERAC.

Patents--Often overlooked--One reason for this is that patents are harder to read than other publications--web sites--hiring a patent searcher--Be very careful with patents

Competitive Products--Repair Manuals

Experts--How to effectively deal with experts--who are experts $100/hour or $15/hour

Software

How to sort through the literature you find--Don't believe everything--Don't assume that the authors have included all the facts--How to determine if the authors are correct.

How to Organize your research--Only valuable if you can place your finger on it when it becomes relevant--computer-database with keywords and comments--should be able to quickly read through comments on any subject.