I am curious to what extent Google Answers allow the research 500 crew
to go to. Do Google researchers use other search engines and/ or
external libraries etc. to find answers?

Brudenell,
As you may know, we cannot answer specifically about Google or Google
Answers but I will answer as a researcher, speaking for fellow
researchers about what we do.

There are no restrictions on what the researchers can do to find out
information/answer to the questions.  Of course, the limitations are
the ones set by the law in each country and international laws, but
other than that, researchers can call up companies, research firms, go
to the library, search on the internet by any means, etc.  Google
researchers can use any other search engines, not just Google, and
external libraries.  Many choose to use Google over other search
engines because of our personal opinion that Google engine is better
than the one offered by the competitors.  The normal step that I take
is first search using Google, then some other major search
engines/meta search engines, then verify the data found by emailing
relevant contacts/companies/firms.  If necessary I ask opinions of
other researchers (google or not) and dig up information from physical
publications.
I personally have access to some university medical databases and
professors but I have not yet found the need to consult either yet.

To further understand what it is like to be a researcher, you can
browse through Google Answers to read terms and conditions, researcher
FAQ and guidelines.

Thank you for your question; please don't hesitate to ask for
clarification.

Tox-ga

Thank you. The Google Answer service is very much appreciated...
especially when many researchers make comments that could qualify as
an answer. Now I wonder why Google took the notice of this 'New'
Google Answers feature off the Google home page... but that is a
question for another day. Thank you too to everyone that took interest
in this question.

Brudenell,

While researchers cannot spefically answer questions regarding Google
Answers, I can tell you that many researchers have visited libraries,
public records respositories and made numerous phone calls to answer
questions.

Regards,

-THV

Thank you THV for the posting! I am interested in the breadth of the
research that is undertaken.

In addition to Google's most excellent search engine, many Researchers
use other search engines as supplemental sources. In no way are we
limited to using only Google as a reference tool.

This is a great site for someone who is lazy to do his or her own
search.   The most intersting information and scholarly articles are
not free and nog available outside of journals and subscription
databases.  I have no doubt that some of the google "researchers" have
access to such databases through their universities or at work, but I
don't think many use them to answer questions here.

Thanks pinkfreud-ga & uncle_ziba-ga for taking the time to make comments.

brudenell,

In addition, Researchers as a whole are a very experienced and
talented group of people. I personally know of Researchers who are
computer specialists, teachers, attorneys, medical professionals,
writers, poets, artists, mathematicians, historians, archaeologists,
business people with management experience, and even professional
information specialists/researchers. These Researchers can draw on
their own knowledge, experience, and resources to answer questions. It
is also not uncommon for one Researcher to ask for help from -- and
have it graciously given by -- another Researcher with a particular
expertise.

I hope this gives you additional insight into the people who answer
your questions!

aceresearcher

I frequently use the resources of libraries to do research. There are
some questions that can only be answered with print materials. I tend
to begin my web searches with Google, but I use other search engines
and directories as well.

Thank you for the additional comments Aceresearcher & Luciaphile

I am learning more every day.

Your time spent to add a few words is very much appreciated.

Brudenell