A better alternative may be to search the white pages through the internet. For a very complete list, visit Telephone Directories on the Web . Directory Assistance is a service provided by your phone company. If the person is famous, newsworthy or historically important, this may be a worthwhile option. Directories like the series of Who's Who directories will list some basic biographical details, most likely prepared by the person involved.
Access is free on the net .
Of course, for very well known people, consider an encyclopedia. C ommercial Newspaper Search Local newspapers are a brilliant resource for information about individuals, and most anyone running a business will try to be featured in their local newspapers. There are no shortages of electronic access to good news too. Datatimes presents a single access point to many of the North American newspapers. Global Textline included access to a wide range of different countries.