Research is necessary no matter what your genre'. For a contemporary novel you need to be familiar with the setting and the culture of a place/people if you wish to be accurate. This info is available through tourist bureaus and chambers of commerce as well as the places listed later.

Researching for an historical novel is more involved. Thanks to the magic of computers & the internet it is easier than back in the day. The following places might prove helpful:

• the children's section of the library
• the reference librarian
• encyclopedias, including those on cd rom

I'm sure you're familiar with at least some of these; maybe all. Also, depending on the period, if you're looking for general information & if the subject if popular enough, you may find a book dedicated to it. I found a book entitled "Everyday Life in the 1800's extremely helpful when I was researching an historical novel.

You may find someone or an organization in your area who either has the info you need, or knows where you can get it. Let everyone you come in contact know what you need. You may be pleasantly surprised."