Which guideline suggests using public records and private sources?

• A. Learn and follow established procedures for using public records available at each office
• B. Know which info you need
• C. Use public records and private sources
• D. Find as much info on your own as possible

Answer: (C)

Using public records and private sources is the guideline that emphasizes gathering information from multiple channels. Public records provide official, verifiable data such as court filings, property records, licenses, and regulatory actions, which help establish facts and timelines with credibility. Private sources supplement those records by offering context, leads, or information not readily available publicly—think interviews, client documents, professional databases, or informants. Together, they create a more complete, cross-verified information base, improving accuracy while staying within legal and ethical boundaries.

Other options focus on narrower aspects: following procedures for using public records is about handling a single resource properly, knowing what information you need is about planning scope, and finding as much as you can on your own overlooks the value of official data and corroborating sources.