At some point in your research you will find you don’t have time to do it all yourself. At that point, you should contact your corporate librarian, if there is one. If not, contact an independent information professional (IP) like Jean Steinhardt Consulting LLC.
Whoever you choose, here is how you can get the best results …
1) Keywords: desulfurization is a good keyword, but can result in a huge number of hits. A more specific keyword, a keyword that is widely used in your area of expertise but that is more technical in nature, may be better. For example, if your research focuses on “dibenzothiophene,” let the IP (information professional) know that.
2) Context: Continuing with the dibenzothiophene example, are you focused on the fuel cell part of the hydrocarbon chain, or are you more interested in refining heavy crude?
3) Purpose: why do you need the search? Are you looking for the latest trends? Or are you working on a patent application and want to be sure no one else has already patented the concept? Or are you wondering about the marketability of your concept?
4) Turnaround: when do you need to see the results? The faster you need them, the more it is likely to cost. If speed is more important than money, let your IP know that.
5) Cost: how much are you willing to spend? Even if you are lucky enough to have a corporate librarian at your disposal, he / she will need to spend time and money researching your topic.
6) To the Max: even if you need this done FAST, you might do well to agree a not-to-exceed amount ahead of time. When your IP gets to the agreed amount, you can review the results and determine whether to continue.
As to the question of how to find the right IP for your purpose, take a moment to read “Shopping for an Information Broker” by Mary Ellen Bates (http://www.batesinfo.com/searcher-article.html)
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