4.2: Getting Data

Three things will probably influence how you approach the data gathering process:

• Your research topic.
• Your experience as a researcher and your expertise in this research area.
• Your experience with Internet and electronic database searches.

If you are seeking information that’s publicly available and are comfortable with electronic search tools, you’d probably start with the Internet. If you are dealing with a local problem, a sensitive topic, or feel uncomfortable with the research process or search technology, you’ll probably want to start by talking to another person. Regardless of the order you approach them, here are four major categories of information:

Coworkers, Base Personnel

These are colleagues that you can easily meet face to face who may be subject matter experts on your topic. They may also know where you can get valuable information on local projects, even if they are not subject matter experts themselves. The person who gave you the research assignment may also be a resource. Get clear on the big picture and be specific when you ask others for information-you’ll save everybody’s time.

Your Office Files and References

Data from work, in hard copy and electronic files, may be valuable sources of information. Some older files may still be stored in hard copy records in your office, but in most offices, the majority of current information on policies and procedures is contained on computer networks, the Electronic Records Management (ERM) solution (file plan), or electronic record keeping system Paper files are still used for correspondence, sensitive information and older archives; however, the US Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-12-18, Managing Government Records Directive, requires that to the fullest extent possible, Federal agencies such as the Air Force to create and manage records electronically and not in paper. Each office has its own policies, check them out. In addition to office files, larger units typically produce unit histories that can be very useful for staff research. They tell what happened as well as when it happened, why, and where. A good history also shows how past experiences relate to current plans and how recent experiences relate to future plans.

The Internet

The amount of information available from your computer is nearly limitless. The Internet can be intimidating if you didn’t grow up with computers, but set your fears aside-the payoffs are enormous. The two biggest challenges in using the Internet are

1. finding the information you need; and
2. sorting out what you can believe and what you can’t.

Anyone with an ax to grind can build a website and there’s no one out there checking to see if the facts are correct. It’s an interesting environment-information ranges from official, credible sources to the lunatic fringe, and websites may appear and disappear without notice. Later in this chapter, we’ll give you details on searching the net and evaluating what you find. Be aware that copyright law now protects all materials the instant it is reduced to tangible form.

The Library

Libraries have unique benefits for the researcher:

• Librarians (real, honest-to-goodness humans!) who can help you find information and give basic research advice.
• Free access to books and periodicals_some of which may be available on the Internet.
• Access to the Internet and other electronic databases not always free to the public.
• Interlibrary loans that let you borrow nearly any book in print-even at small libraries

Though the Internet is a convenient source of information, you may eventually run into a point where the information you need is not available on the Internet, but it may still be found in books and periodicals, available for use freely at your local library. Libraries can also be of assistance in evaluating the quality of the information since most content in a library has been reviewed by someone other than the author. The end result is less trash and outright errors than you find out on the Internet. You will find a wealth of resources at your local base, city, or college and university libraries. Even if you can’t borrow books, many of them allow nonstudents to visit and read books.

"Virtual libraries" are another important resource-they’re websites that give you access to several library resources. Though these can be reached through an Internet browser, the information meets the same quality standards as the material in the physical library.

• Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center (MSFRIC)
  (http://www.au.af.mil/au/aul/lane.htm) has online research tools and traditional library resources that include access to databases, bibliographies, online library assistance, fulltext journal articles, relevant research links and assignment assistance for the Professional Military Education (PME).
• Internet Public Library (http://www.ipl.org/) organizes websites, e-texts, online magazines and other journals by subject/topic.
• WWW Virtual Library (http://vlib.org/) has topic-based links to sites usually maintained by universities and research centers.
• The Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov) has excellent tools for research, including an Ask the Librarian feature for some topics.
• The Library of Congress Online Catalog (http://catalog.loc.gov/) includes online help pages on a variety of different searches-from basic to complex.