Reference Books include directories, indexes, and government publications. Indexes include the names, dates and topics of articles published in a wide variety of journals, newspapers, and magazines. Government publications include a vast array of materials. For career research purposes, there are two which are widely used and easily located. It is organized by major job categories and cross-referenced by industry and job titles.
Periodicals is a general term for all journals, magazines and newspapers.
Journals typically describe research pertaining to a specific industry or academic field of study and are usually published by professional associations. Magazines offer general , current information on a wide variety of topics and issues. Newspapers report information on a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly basis and are a good source for increasing your general knowledge of a geographic region, the labor market, and an industry. Employer-generated information includes annual reports, brochures, pamphlets, videotapes, and vacancy listings. Job fairs Your own network of family, friends, and acquaintances A separate handout, Informational Interviewing , is available to help you identify people resources, prepare questions, and conduct interviews.