Tenopir (information sciences, U. of Tennessee and Knoxville) and statistician King survey the research related to how engineers gather information and how they communicate the output of their work to their colleagues. They further use the research to analyze the motivations engineers have for the selection of communication channels. They look at traditional interpersonal and written communication and explore the impact of newer electronic forms of communication. After analyzing the changing patterns of communication among engineers, they offer recommendations on how engineers can effectively improve their professional communication techniques.