Choice Review

This handbook takes the reader on a conceptual road trip through "Main Street" of "Anytown," focusing solely on the US. The author's style works well, whether the reader is a veteran librarian, a corporate researcher, or a student. The book starts with the overall planning process, balancing the tradeoffs between time, quality, or expenses, as well as raising caveats and discussing key resources that will surface throughout the book. Five core chapters have a parallel structure: overview, strategy planning, decision issues, recommended resources, and examples of actual research scenarios. One chapter focuses solely on fee-based resources, while another addresses questions of accuracy, trust, and objectivity. Consultant/writer Phelps (Phelps Research) accurately pinpoints the major content or unique strength of each resource. However, the author does not try to hold the reader's hand through every step of researching a local business or community, nor does she attempt to describe the nuances of every online resource that she mentions. Besides having a good organization and structure, the volume contains a good index, as well as an appendix of 49 real-life research questions and suggested resources. A companion Web site provides clickable links for every resource mentioned in the book. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. G. M. Klein Willamette University