What tools (conferences, reference books, etc.) have you found particularly helpful?
None. I hate research books. Boring! I’d much prefer to speak with someone who specializes in what I need, such as police, firefighters and forensic experts. I like to chat with coroners and school teachers and vets. I like picking a doctor’s brain and bugging my friend who is a nurse. Talking with someone and getting their personal take on careers and experiences is always more interesting than reading it in a book.