Update : )

 i have began to study the skeleton of a human so i know were to place my joints.

Using this skeleton reference material and the study notes made from the book 'character rigging' also with the digital tutors tutorials i pretty confident on how to construct the skeleton.

Update : )

 Here are some videos i have been watching and studying to help me with my own work.

 Digital Tutors: Introduction to Character Rigging in Maya,  Understanding joints in Maya, Creating a tool that generates a box curve Introduction to NURBS NURBS modeling tools The benefits of IK / FK blending in Maya Youtube: How to Paint Skin Weights in Maya 2011. Maya hand modeling tutorial #6 - Rigging with contraint controls. (Part 1) Create your skeleton with Maya bone tool, joints and mirror. (Part 2) Joint Orientation and Reverse foot skeleton. (Part 3) Rig Maya legs with an IK handle reverse foot and foot roll. (Part 4) Create hip and spine rigging for your Maya character. (Part 5) Add a head control, shoulder and arm riggs to your Maya character. (part 6) Final tutorial Maya rigging, hand and eye controls.  These are just a selection of videos that have helped me with understanding rigging in maya and modelling.

Update : )

 I am now studying character rigging as it is one of my two specialism for the year along with 3D animation. the first character i will rig is 'DEE' she is one of the characters from the Krokodi film. i have been using books, Digital Tutors, and asking questions to friends in the animation industry for some pointers.  I read this book "learning maya - (character rigging and animation) and used it to help me understand so many aspects of the rigging stage. Along with the 'digital tutors' website i have been reading myself until i receive the model from laura mcnaughton who is modelling the character.