We often find associations and organizations quoted in the press as experts on a certain industry or topic.

For example:

On November 22, 2011 CNN published an article on the annual survey on toy safety by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) entitled Consumer group releases annual 'Trouble in Toyland' report. 

For almost any topic imaginable, there exists a professional, trade, or special interest organization.

An example of a professional organization would be the American Medical Association, whose members consist of doctors. The AMA provides professional information and networking opportunities to its members, educates the public and policy makers about health issues, and advocates for the interests of the “medical community.”

An example of a trade organization would be the National Restaurant Association. This group is made up of individual restaurant owners and restaurant chains. Their goal is to represent, educate, and promote the restaurant industry and to advocate for governmental policies favorable to the industry.

An example of a special interest organization would be the Surfrider Foundation, which is a “non-profit organization dedicated to protecting our oceans, waves and beaches.” Other examples would be the National Organization for Women, the NAACP, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Greenpeace, or Save the Bay.

Professional, trade, and special interest organizations are usually excellent sources of information on topics related to their missions, and sometimes they are even the primary source of information on that topic. These organizations are increasingly making valuable information available on their Web sites, although the information they are willing to provide for free to non-members is often limited. It is also important to keep in mind that these organizations, by definition, have as an agenda to promote their profession, industry, or cause, and that the information they make available will likely be compatible with their mission.