Hello Codeforces,

I'm interested in integer factorization problem. Is there anyone who works on that problem, or can redirect me to someone who I can ask? I'm interested in following things:

1. What are the must-read papers\books on that topic?
2. Any particular scientists\groups whose works I should follow?
3. What is the most common\popular current approach in attempts to solve this problem?

I want to start gaining overall knowledge about this problem\maybe try to work on it if I can, but don't know how to start (and I got no help from my garbo university), so any advice is appreciated. I have completed 2 semester mandatory university linear algebra course + 1 semester optional basic number theory course + some basic knowledge gained from competitive programming\maths + I have tried to read about known existing algorithms, but got overwhelmed and stuck eventually.

I am most grateful to anyone who will take some time to provide info on that topic.