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6th November 2008
No.264
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About FreePint
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FreePint is a global network of people who find, use, manage and share work-related information. Members receive this free twice-monthly newsletter, packed with tips, features and resources.
Joining FreePint is free at <http://www.freepint.com/> and connects information practitioners around the world with resources, events and answers to their tricky research and information questions at the FreePint Bar, our free online forum: <http://www.freepint.com/bar/>.
Please share FreePint with others by forwarding this message. The FreePint Newsletter is available online in several formats and can be read, saved and forwarded at <http://www.freepint.com/issues/>.
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Editorial
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By Sara Waddington
 In this issue of the FreePint Newsletter, we focus on finding and managing information. Putting your finger on the right nugget of data, that will open a portal to the information you seek, is key to refining your research practices.
 In this month's FUMSI Find article, 'Asia Pacific Region: Consumer Markets and Industries (Part 1)', Jenny Zhan and Pam Foster outline key market research tools for the region. As the Asia-Pacific countries take on more important roles in the world economy, demand for research on consumer markets and product trends in the region continues to grow domestically and globally. This article (in two parts) is an extract from the FUMSI Asia-Pacific Research Resources, part of the FUMSI Regional Research Series.
Reaching agreement on the right data sets is a very detailed iterative process, by initially looking at content and aligning user need, is key to creating and managing a successful taxonomy. In part two of James Kelway's article on 'Creating User Centred Taxonomies', we look at creating, testing and launching the taxonomy. The taxonomy of a site and its structure are the most important areas of website design. Get this right and you will be on course to ensuring that your users will have a quality experience because their needs are within the fabric of its design.
FreePint is now soliciting nominations for the FUMSI Award for Most Useful Article. Any article published in the FUMSI database between December 2007 and September 2008 is eligible - both the author and article nominee will receive recognition and the award recipient will be announced at the FreePint stand (number 122) at the forthcoming Online Information exhibition. Send us your nomination today! And let us know you'll be attending Online, so that we can keep you informed about highlights for FreePinters.
Don't miss FreePint's report on the fourth annual EuroIA Summit; and don't forget that next month's VIP includes a comparative review of Factiva, LN and Dialog - pre-order or start a trial subscription by e-mailing support@vivavip.com or completing the online request form.
Sara Waddington
Senior Managing Editor
Free Pint Limited
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2008
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Develop Your Strengths with Quantum2
For a wide array of hands-on training and resource materials, turn to Quantum2, an innovative skills development programme provided *free* by Dialog. The programme helps information professionals:
- Expand your services through strategic and business competencies
- Improve flow of information in your organisation
- Gain visibility and build value for your work
Discover best practices, *plus* the know-how to implement them.
Free monthly newsletter and further information at:
http://quantum.dialog.com/
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Online Information Exhibition
2-4 December 2008, Olympia Grand Hall, London
Register free at http://www.online-information.co.uk/promo/freepint
Over 230 vendors and comprehensive seminar programme covering:
Online Content Resources; ePublishing; Library Management Systems;
Content Management Expo; Web 2.0 Technologies and Search Solutions
PLUS - New Seminar Stream - Global Business Information Forum
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My Favourite Tipples
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By Joanna Ptolomey
Developing information resources for people who have different communication and literacy needs can be challenging and requires high quality evidence. During the research phase of a recent project on learning disabilities, I utilised many brilliant resources and tools. Here are some of my top favourites that will help you get a handle on the subject area quickly, but also let you access high quality evidenced based research and "road tested" resources.
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) - The definition of a learning disability will vary according to where you are in the world, for example the UK and the USA have very different definitions of what a learning disability is. National organisations are a good place to start for a definition such as BILD. This is an excellent portal for all aspects of living with a learning disability and includes many useful resources for download.
- Norah Fry Centre - University of Bristol - This is an academic centre of excellence in learning disabilities and gives access to high quality evidenced based research and reports. Some of the research is available in 'easy read' for people with learning disabilities and an alternative version of the website is also available also in 'easy read'.
- Mencap - This is a great starting point for dipping your toes into the learning disabilities area. Information and resources are designed for 3 key user groups; professionals, families and people with learning disabilities.
- Makaton - Makaton is a communication tool that was developed in the 1970's to help people with a learning disability communicate. It is a combination of speech, gesture, and picture or symbol. It is an internationally recognised communication programme.
- The Elfrida Society aims to improve the lives of people who have a learning disability. It has an excellent publications section, particularly on health issues.
- Learning Disabilities Resource Directory - People with learning disabilities not only have issues around literacy but also specific health needs. This directory identifies health information resources in the learning disabilities area and is aimed at 3 groups:-
- Health Professionals working with people with a learning disability
- Families/Carers of people with a learning disability
- People with a learning disability
Joanna Ptolomey is a freelance information consultant specialising in research services, consultancy and bespoke training courses for professional researchers and end users. Joanna started her career as a librarian in the NHS before moving to a worldwide consultancy group to work in business information.
She is a board member of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government and Scottish Ministers on library and Information matters.
She can be contacted at info@joannaptolomey.co.uk.
Would you like to add your Favourite Tipples suggestions for the FreePint newsletter or write an article for FUMSI (Find, Use, Manage or Share Information?).
If so, please contact Sara Waddington at sara.waddington@freepint.com with your ideas or visit http://www.freepint.com/author/
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Planning to attend Online 2008? Let us know:
- Participate in the FreePint Special Report on Online 2008
- Learn when our editors will be delivering talks at our stand
- Request sample publications
If you can't make it to London, you can still get the benefit:
Complete the RSVP form, and we'll send you a free copy of the FreePint Special Report after the event!
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New FUMSI Report: Federated Search Report and Tool Kit
Maximise access to and use of *all* your resources -- explore federated search!
Author Jill Hurst-Wahl provides guidance on research, team development, due diligence and implementation and measurement. 10 hands-on activities take you from planning through completion.
FUMSI Subscribers: 50% off list prices!
Learn more and purchase at http://web.fumsi.com/go/report/manage/1178
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FreePint Bar
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By Sara Waddington
Software recommendations, public information, intranet manager requirements, industry directories and AGM listings are hot topics on the Bar at the moment. See a round-up of recent conversations below and click through to join the discussion. Post your research dilemmas to the FreePint Bar.
- One 'Pinter is looking for any recent software that can save complete webpages as well as file them and search across these pages offline. Any ideas?
- Another Barista is looking for material which discusses the issue of disseminating information to the public (public information) and mass education with a particular emphasis on, but not limited to, developing countries. Would anybody volunteer some information and citations?
- FreePint is launching a survey to gather information about the interests and needs of intranet managers. If you manage or contribute to the management of your organisation's intranet, please take a few minutes to complete this online survey. Respondents who provide a valid email address will receive a copy of the results. If you can help, let FreePint know.
- One Bar member, who is researching the global summits and conferences market, would appreciate some guidance and advice from the Bar on any industry directories that would list main players and the titles of summits held in particular industry sectors. He would be interested in a consolidated resource.
- A 'Pinter would like to know of a resource that provides a calendar or listing of AGMs scheduled over the next 6 months - 1 year. She is specifically interested in Irish companies and wishes to find out about meetings that are planned for next Spring/Summer.
- Nominate your favourite FUMSI article for the FUMSI Citation for Most Useful Article. Any FUMSI article published between December 2007 and September 2008 is eligible for this year's award, which will be announced at Online Information 2008, at the FreePint stand (#122). A list of articles eligible for the award (with links to the article) can be found on the nomination form. We look forward to learning how contributors have helped you FUMSI!
Sara Waddington is senior managing editor of Free Pint Ltd. She can be contacted at sara.waddington@freepint.com
The FreePint Bar is where you can get free help with your tricky research questions <http://www.freepint.com/bar>
Help with study for information-related courses is available at the FreePint Student Bar <http://www.freepint.com/student>.
Subscribe to the twice-weekly email digests at <http://www.freepint.com/subs/>.
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FUMSI Features
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 FUMSI publishes articles, tools, and a monthly magazine, to give you practical help with information skills.
Visit http://www.fumsi.com/
However you Find, Use, Manage or Share Information, you'll find something in FUMSI to help.
We add new articles to the FUMSI database in each practice area every month, which are free to read, browse, email, print or save. Here are the most recent additions:
Creating User Centred Taxonomies Part 2
FUMSI: Manage
In the second of this two-part series on user taxonomies, James Kelway provides a step-by-step guide to creating, testing and maintaining a robust taxonomy. He points out common pitfalls and provides key factors in the successful deployment of user-centred taxonomies.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'When you present the straw man, expect to get it burnt. The point of these workshops is to thrash out misconceptions with those who know the domain better than you or who can bring another perspective to the task.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now. »
Asia Pacific Region: Consumer Markets and Industries: Part 1
FUMSI: Find
As the Asia-Pacific countries take on more important roles in the world economy, demand for research on consumer markets and product trends in the region continues to grow both domestically and globally. This extract from the FUMSI Asia-Pacific Research Resources, part of the Regional Research Series, written by Jenny Zhan (the author of that report) and Pam Foster, outlines key market research tools for the region.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'This extract from the FUMSI Asia-Pacific Research Resources, part of the Regional Research Series lists companies which publish market research reports either specifically for the Asia-Pacific region or include Asia-Pacific countries in their coverage'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Also recently Added to the FUMSI Database:
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Have we helped you FUMSI?
Let us know by nominating an article for this year's FUMSI Citation:
http://www.freepint.com/events/online-info-2008/citation/
If an article in the FUMSI database has helped you or your colleagues Find, Use, Manage or Share Information, take a minute to thank the author by nominating it for The FUMSI Citation for Most Useful Article.
All articles published between December 2007 and September 2008 are eligible.
Award to be announced at Online 2008.
Nominate Now »
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Information Management Solutions Exhibition
2-4 December 2008, Olympia Grand Hall, London
Register free at http://www.online-information.co.uk/promo/freepint1
Discover latest Search, Content Management and Web 2.0 Solutions
Wide range of free seminars and case-studies
Unique networking opportunities
Plus - New Seminar Stream - Marketing Through Social Media
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VIP Features
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VIP publishes in-depth, unbiased reviews of business information products. If you purchase or use premium information resources, make VIP part of your professional reading every month.
 VIP issue no. 59 includes:
- Weathering the Storm: VIP presents a swathe of products and vendors that could help cope with the challenging economic environment.
- Interesting Times: The man who is challenging US federal, state and local agencies to drop copyright claims to their laws; and the algorithmic error that wiped 76% off the value of United Airlines.
- More Tools of the Trade: VIP's expert reviewers take a look in depth at two of Bureau van Dijk's key company financial and ownership databases, FAME and AMADEUS.
- Private Equity Explained: As the major investment banks topple, Sylvia James looks at how a rather hidden, very private and shadowy world of buy-outs and oddly named firms came to dominate corporate finance activity.
In the next VIP: We compare coverage of news from the Big Three -- Factiva, LexisNexis and Dialog; and Sylvia James on the credit crunch.
Purchase VIP issue no. 59 from the VIP website, or start your subscription now.
Now publishing the VIP LiveWire
Commentary on the industry, by the VIP editorial team. Get its insight on trends, products, user needs and more. You do not need to subscribe to VIP Magazine in order to receive the free weekly headlines from the LiveWire (learn more and subscribe now).
Recent posts:
- Until recently, the investment bank Goldman Sachs seems to have managed to escape the worst of the fallout from the banking turmoil - but now it too has announced that up to 10% of its staff will have to go. Intriguingly, though, on the very day that the FT reported GS's forthcoming job losses http://digbig.com/4xsqq the Guardian was listing the bank among the backers of a $22.7 million investment in the business social networking site LinkedIn.
- IHS Inc completed its acquisition of Global Insight on 10th October. The new company will be known as IHS Global Insight. Look out for more news on this in forthcoming issues of VIP magazine.
- For those researchers who do not always have access to a business library or information service in house, the services provided by the national and major city collections are critical. In London the British Library continues to find new ways of ensuring that its users get the best out of its outstanding collections.
Request a sample issue of VIP, or start a trial subscription today for only GBP 80 for three months. Visit http://www.vivavip.com/sample.html to request a sample or start your trial.
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Jinfo - Jobs in Information
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 The Jinfo service enables you to search and advertise information- related job vacancies.
Start a free subscription to receive the weekly Jinfo Jobs Update, with a complete list of the latest vacancies, or search the database at any time (free).
Jinfo Jobs in the FreePint Newsletter are supported through our partnership with Quantum2, an innovative skills development programme offered by Dialog. Learn more at <http://quantum.dialog.com/>.
Here is a selection of the latest featured entries in the Jinfo database:
- Loose Leaf Filer/Library Administrator
9 month contract at global law firm, using legal/professional services exp to manage journals using an LMS
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
- Investment Banking Researcher - Contract
Investment Bank experienced Generalist Senior Researcher immediately required for 3 6 month contract and possibly longer.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- Client Information Officer
Manage content and structure of law firm's client and transaction records; assist with compliance, information, conflicts and other business purposes.
Recruiter: TFPL
Country: United Kingdom
[The above jobs are paid listings]
NB: These are just a selection of information-related jobs in the Jinfo database <http://www.jinfo.com/>. Receive the latest job listings weekly with the free Jinfo Update. Free to subscribe at <http://www.jinfo.com/>
Jinfo - the best place for information-related job vacancies.
- JOB SEARCHING?
-- Free search and sign up to the Jinfo Newsletter
- RECRUITING?
-- Complete the form and advertise a vacancy for just GBP195 <http://www.jinfo.com/recruit/>
-- 10% discount for agencies
-- 50% discount for registered charities
Find out more today at <http://www.jinfo.com/>
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| Highlights from ResourceShelf and DocuTicker
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Share Your Expertise with a Global Audience
We're constantly seeking case studies, how-to articles, and hands-on
insight to help others find, use, manage and share information at work. Contact any of our editorial team with your suggestions and submissions:
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Events
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It is free to search and advertise information-related gatherings in FreePint Events »
Premium listings
These events are hosted by our partner organisations and/or advertisers:
 United Kingdom:
 Netherlands:
Online:
Free listings
United Kingdom:
 Australia:
 Germany:
*** Submit your event for free promotion ***
New upgrade option for enhanced listing coverage
<http://www.freepint.com/events/>
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Gold
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A look back at what FreePint covered at this time in previous years:
- FreePint No. 241, 8th November 2007. "Methodology Mixer: Professional and Business Development for the Independent Worker" and "Global Collaborative Search: Watch This Space"
- FreePint No. 217, 9th November 2006. "Internet Librarian International: Impressions from a First-Time Attendee" and "Election Cycles Primer: How and When People Come to Office"
- FreePint No. 194, 10th November 2005. "VoIP: Threat or Opportunity to the Market Research Industry?" and "Interview with Steve Borley, winner of the SLA Europe Information Professional Award"
- FreePint No. 171, 11th November 2004. "How to Improve your Business Writing" and "Information Auditing: Key Concepts and How To Get Started"
- FreePint No. 148, 6th November 2003. "Records Management, the Aunt Sally of your business!" and "Getting UK Immigration Information and Advice"
- FreePint No. 124, 31st October 2002. "Job Hunting Resources On The Web" and "What Does Well On The Web - A Personal View"
- FreePint No. 99, 1st November 2001. "Web Sources for Climate Change and Emissions Trading" and "Marketing Library and Information Services"
- FreePint No. 74, 2nd November 2000. "Web Sources for Central and Eastern Europe" and "Portals for business information on the Internet"
- FreePint No. 49, 4th November 1999. "Key UK Library and Information Science Information Resources" and "Affiliate and Associate Programs"
- FreePint No. 25, 29th October 1998. "Delivered to your Desktop" and "Making it part of your life"
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Forthcoming
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FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
[Provisional]
FUMSI
- Euro IA Summit Review
- Competitive Intelligence
Semantic Web
- Wikis
- Second Life for Business
- Asia Pacific Research Resources
- Avoiding 'Anti-Social' Networks
- Asking the Right Questions
- Web Analytics and Information Architecture
- How to turn raw data into effective market research
VIP
- Review of the Big Three
- Inside the Credit Crunch
- OneSource
If you have a suggestion for an article topic, or would like to write, then please contact FreePint's Editor Sara Waddington at <sara.waddington@freepint.com> or read the notes for authors at <http://www.onopoly.com/author/>
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Contact Information
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Address:
Free Pint Limited
4-6 Station Approach Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2QN, United Kingdom
Telephone:
UK: 0870 141 7474 Int: +44 870 141 7474
Directions and maps: <http://www.freepint.com/contact.htm>
Contributors to this issue:
Sara Waddington (Senior Managing Editor, FreePint), Joanna Ptolomey, Robin Neidorf (General Manager), William Hann (Publisher), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
Quantum2 from Dialog, Online Information, Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited, Glen Recruitment, TFPL, FUMSI, VIP, Jinfo.
(c) Free Pint Limited 1997-2008 <http://www.freepint.com/>
Technology by Willco <http://www.Willco.com/>
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your subscriptions or password, visit <http://www.freepint.com/subs/> or forward this email to <support@freepint.com>. For details about contributing, advertising or to see past issues, please visit the Web site at <http://www.freepint.com/>.
Please note: FreePint (ISSN 1460-7239) is a registered trademark of, and published by, Free Pint Limited. The publishers will NEVER make the subscriber list available to any other company or organisation.
The opinions, advice, products and services offered herein are the sole responsibility of the contributors. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
This publication may be freely copied and/or distributed in its entirety. However, individual sections MAY NOT be copied and/or distributed without the prior written agreement of the publishers. Write to Robin Neidorf, General Manager, <robin.neidorf@freepint.com> for more details. Product names used in FreePint are for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of their respective owners. FreePint disclaims any and all rights in those marks. All rights reserved.
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House, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead, Herts, AL4 8RQ
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