The Sourcebook to Public Record Information - A highly recommended resource, a must have.

A highly recommended source for acquiring information when doing research or record checks is the
"Sourcebook to Public Record Information" 

This resource is a little pricey depending on whether it's hardback, paper book, new or used at a price range of approximately $88.00-$100.00, and yet it only weighs approximately 6 pounds. There is a web based version for $119.00 or you can just get a monthly subscription instead. 

The Sourcebook to Public Record Information is unique in that it will tell you where you need to look for the information you are looking for in each county, city, state or federal jurisdiction, and in most cases it will tell you the cost to obtain the information and steps required to enable the process to be completed.  

It comes complete with websites for the various state agencies and county clerks, allowing you direct access to contact them at a distance if necessary. There is a Canadian section as well and lists how to obtain a Canadian driving record and criminal history check as well as other Canadian resources.

This state-by-state guide to more than 20,000 agencies replaces four previously published titles: The Sourcebook of County Asset/Lien Records, The Sourcebook of County Court Records, The Sourcebook of Federal Court Records, and The Sourcebook of State Public Records. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.


It is a well-integrated access point into the world of federal and local government records.  This is a specialized reference tool that is most suitable for business, legal, and large public libraries.

While the Internet offers a tremendous amount of information regarding public records, it merely scratches the surface.  If you can just think of it as a direction finder. It points you in the right direction and then shows you how to get that information.

If you are going to be doing record searches, skip tracing, and other investigative techniques The Sourcebook to Public Information is highly recommended.

Here is a link to purchase the 2009 edition which is available right now on Amazon.

The Sourcebook to Public Record Information: The Comprehensive Guide to County, State, & Federal Public Record Sources