Luckily, stamp collectors have a better tool to enhance a collection than ever before: the computer.
Although buying and selling stamps have become easier, that's not the only advantage computers bring to the hobby.
Identification of a stamp has been facilitated. Background for each item can be accessed. This aspect of research vastly improved the gathering of details.
If a person does not have computer, libraries have computers available to patrons to perform these activities. And the library staff is willing and able to help.
Smart phones are also a useful tool. A person can ask a question into the phone and the answer is back in seconds. Amazing.