Often, finding the information you need is a matter of simply finding a person who already knows a lot about a particular subject - it's often easier to spend a few minutes calling an expert than to search for hours online. This is why trade groups and special interest organizations can be invaluable resources for the researcher. Contacts at these organizations are often highly knowledgeable in their area of expertise and can direct you to resources you would otherwise not find. They can also be valuable leads to expert witnesses.

Many organizations also have websites that can be great sources of information about a group, projects the group is working on, its membership statistics, and other matters of interest to the trade group members and the public.

Directories can also offer basic information about an association, company, or other business. They are a convenient source for contact information such as names of individuals or businesses, addresses, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

Encyclopedia of Associations
The Encyclopedia of Associations is a comprehensive source of information on over 135,000 nonprofit membership organizations worldwide. Coverage includes addresses and descriptions of professional societies, trade associations, labor unions, cultural and religious organizations, fan clubs, and other groups of all types.

PRINT - AS29.5 .E53 (Reference Desk - older editions are on 8th Floor)

International Encyclopedia of Associations
The International Encyclopedia of Associations gives descriptions of over 140,000 associations worldwide. Coverage includes trade and professional associations, social welfare and public affairs organizations, religious, sports, and hobby groups.

PRINT - AS8 .E53 (Reference Desk - older edition is on 8th Floor)

Sorkin's Directory of Businesses & Government - Chicago Region

Covers private companies, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, and local agencies of the greater Chicagoland area, as well as the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas. DATABASE - Electronic Resources page (Available at Downtown Campus, Main Campus, Rice Campus, and by remote access)

PRINT - AE 5 .S67 (9th Floor)

Yahoo! Business Organizations

A directory to business organizations in categories such as economic development, education, professional, small business, trade associations, etc.

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