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8th January 2009
No.268
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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
 Welcome to the first 2009 issue of the FreePint newsletter!
Tools and techniques, such as federated search and enterprise search, for uncovering the right piece of information from vast pools of data is the focus of this issue.
 Law firms have used both Knowledge Management (KM) and information technology to address their information management needs, but uncovering information in their vast data repositories is still tricky. The huge investments for enterprise search - providing lawyer and legal information professionals alike with a single search box sitting over multiple repositories and offices - have certainly seen great improvements in uncovering information within a law firm.
Reviewing and improving a firm's Enterprise Information Architecture (or Firmwide IA) through an information housekeeping initiative is rapidly becoming a priority and Kate Simpson lays out, in her article 'Enterprise Information Architecture: A View From The Legal World', the benefits of taking this approach.
Federated search is a powerful tool for organisations with multiple databases and content sets, but it is often misunderstood. Since every federated search software product is different, it is important for an organisation to understand which features are required, what benefits the organisation is seeking, and how it will be impacted by the shortcomings. It is also important for the organisation to understand the industry, since the industry - companies, products, and features - is in flux.
In her 'Introduction to Federated Search', Jill Hurst-Wahl explains what federated search does and does not do well and identifies characteristics of organisations 'ready' for federated search. If you've been fielding questions (or have your own) about a search solution that works 'like Google' but inside your firewall, this is a great piece to share with colleagues.
If you were at the recent Online Information exhibition in London, you might have seen the FreePint stand, offering delegates a range of information briefings from its FUMSI and VIP editors (VIP has just released its Big Three comparative review - Nexis, Factiva and Dialog). We also announced the winner of our FUMSI article award at the exhibition. Our full OI show report, compiled by visitors and exhibitors at the event, will shortly be available.
Sara Waddington
Senior Managing Editor
Free Pint Limited
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2008
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My Favourite Tipples
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By Tim Buckley Owen
In these troubled economic times, with all the talk of government bail-outs, it's probably a good time to review some of the places you can go to for information from UK government. It's something I have to do all the time for my job, so here are some of the ones I've found most useful.
- First of all, hundreds of the government web sites that have been created over the years are currently being rationalized under one of two super sites. Business-related stuff is moving under the Business Link umbrella and much of the rest under DirectGov - so these two are the best starting points if you're not sure where to go.
- If you need to keep an eye on government departments, agencies and quangos that impact particularly on you, all their press releases are also conveniently brought together by the government and public sector News Distribution Service.
- To keep abreast of what our legislators are up to, you can always try wading through Hansard, the official parliamentary record. But much of the parliamentary business that really matters is actually done in the select committees, and you can keep up to date with their investigations by going to http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/ctteepnslist.cfm.
- Away from all the seriously official places, Policy Hub from the National School of Government pulls together lists of recently published government research reports.
- And, early in 2008, the Cabinet Office set up a Power of Information Task Force with the job of improving engagement with citizens through social media. So my final tipple is the Task Force's blog which is packed with ideas for ways of mashing government data to produce useful new information.
Tim Buckley Owen is one of the contributing editors to FreePint's FUMSI magazine (Find, Use, Manage & Share Information), responsible for the Use practice area. He's an independent information industry commentator and writes for many of the leading information industry publications including Free Pint's VIP Magazine. He also runs training courses in information skills - covering enquiry handling, abstracting & summarizing, analysis & presentation and information service delivery. His previous corporate career encompassed information management, writing, editing, training, government policy advice and corporate media & marketing.
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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 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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FreePint Bar
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By Sara Waddington
Market information on maps, US company data, financial quotations, patents and case libraries 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.
The FreePint Bar is generously sponsored by Mark Logic and Dialog.
- One 'Pinter requests help to find a simple, preferably free, web application which shows a map of all countries in the world. He wishes to colour-code countries eg all countries where English is spoken are coloured in green etc. A simple database with country names and property/colour settings linking to an image would be ideal.
- One member would appreciate advice from the Bar on finding a website that provides links and information about US companies (apart from SEC). Any tips on sources would be most gratefully received.
- Another 'Pinter is looking for a good source of financial quotations - not just the quotes, but also who first said them. In particular, he would like to know the wording and source of one quote: "It's the duty of the citizen to pay as little tax as possible".
- Can Baristas help a Bar member who needs to find information on patents. She is researching whether certain companies have any patents (not just limited to UK patents) and what stage they are at (Applied, Granted, Lapsed etc.).
- Another 'Pinter often needs different cases to illustrate an idea but is finding it very difficult to find any. She currently uses Harvard Business Press, European Case Clearing House and ICMR but is looking for other case libraries and recommendations/ideas. Can you help?
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:
Enterprise Information Architecture: A View From The Legal World
FUMSI: Manage
Law firms have used both Knowledge Management (KM) and information technology to address their information management needs, but uncovering information in their vast data repositories is still tricky. Kate Simpson makes the argument that it's 'the messy middle' that needs attention next, to maximize the chance of success for KM and IT.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'However, the focus of law firms over the last decade has been absolutely correct: to concentrate on people and processes through KM, and on new information technologies and tools through their IT budgets. But maybe there's a third prong that's been missing from this focus? The messy middle: the content assets, the actual information itself contained in documents, e-mails, web pages, blogs, journals, books, video and podcasts etc.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now. »
Introduction to Federated Search
FUMSI: Use
Federated search is a powerful tool for organisations with multiple databases and content sets, but it is often misunderstood. In this clear introduction, expert Jill Hurst-Wahl lays out what federated search does and does not do well and identifies characteristics of organisations 'ready' for federated search. If you've been fielding questions (or have your own) about a search solution that works 'like Google' but inside your firewall, this is a great piece to share with colleagues.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'Since every federated search software product is different, it is important for an organisation to understand what features are required, what benefits the organisation is seeking, and how it will be impacted by the shortcomings. It is also important for the organisation to understand the industry, since the industry - companies, products and features - is in flux.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Also recently Added to the FUMSI Database:
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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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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. 61 includes:
- In the Spotlight: OneSource chief marketing officer Sham Sao talks to VIP about the company's strategy for staying at the head of a crowded field; and Jill Fenton casts an expert eye over the UK OneSource Business Browser
- Awards Time: News on this year's award from IWR and industry rankings from FinTech
- The ongoing evolution of wikis at Sun Microsystems
- Hope for Humans: Recent reports suggest a revival of the human element in business and finance which could be good news for information professionals in troubled times.
In the next VIP: We look at SSRN.
Purchase VIP issue no. 61 from the VIP website, or start your subscription now.
Special note: Subscribers receive a *free copy* of the full report of data from our user survey of the Big Three. Log in to your FreePint account to access the full report.
Also available: Sector reports providing insight into how representatives of the financial, consulting, legal and government sectors use the Big Three, and more. Purchase sector reports individually or as a set - see page 107 of VIP 60 for information, or contact support@vivaVIP.com.
Receive headlines from industry press releases in your inbox every week, and click through to view the entire release. The VIP Wire is the place to collect your industry news subscribe for free at http://www.vivavip.com/order/digest/
Recent posts:
- Journalists at the Financial Times are up in arms over cuts to the newspaper's library research centre, and nearly 200 of them have signed a petition opposing them. The axe has been hanging over the centre for most of the year....... Direct link to posting: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e4110
- Faced with the prospect of having their services outsourced and/or offshored, information managers will quite reasonably try to argue that their research activities are too high up the value chain to be entrusted to operatives thousands of miles away who aren't in daily touch with the thinking of senior executives at head office....... Direct link to posting: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e14453
- As the recession spreads from financial services to almost every other area of the economy, one activity that shows no sign of a downturn is the production of content....... Direct link to posting: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e14253
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:
- Consultant, Information Governance
Oversee info policy advisers, leading info risk management, coordinate Info Asset Owners
Recruiter: The British Council
Country: United Kingdom
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Information & Records Officer
Is organising information & documents your passion? Have you used Sharepoint? This job is for you!
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
- Data Protection Officer (Bank of England)
The Bank of England is looking for a Data Protection officer to work in their Public Information and Enquiries group.
Recruiter: Bank of England
Country: United Kingdom
- Archives Manager
Permanent archives manager for semi-active and historical records
Recruiter: The British Council
Country: United Kingdom
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Knowledge Research & Training Manager
Based within the Leeds office of this well known law firm, deliver a comprehensive research and resource training programme for legal advisors introducing remote learning technologies.
Recruiter: TFPL
Country: United Kingdom
- Information Manager - EDINBURGH
To manage and lead a small Information Management, Research and Library team for busy well-established consultancy in Edinburgh.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
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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Gold
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A look back at what FreePint covered at this time in previous years:
- FreePint No. 244, 10th January 2008. "Prospect Research: Finally coming of age" and "Widgets for Content Creation: A shift to the internet"
- FreePint No. 221, 4th January 2007. "Holiday Express: Taking the Mobile Web on Holiday" and "Google Answers is Dead! Long Live Google Answers!"
- FreePint No. 197, 5th January 2006. "Seven Deadly Sins (and Desirable Strategies) for Library Managers" and "Competitive intelligence: an introduction"
- FreePint No. 174, 13th January 2005. "Trends in business information, provision and use" and "Enterprise Blogging"
- FreePint No. 151, 8th January 2004. "Sources of Information on Human Resources" and "Quality and Comparative International Statistics"
- FreePint No. 128, 9th January 2003. "Keeping IT Simple" and "Digital Libraries"
- FreePint No. 103, 10th january 2002. "Searching Patents on Government Databases on the Web" and "Livestock"
- FreePint No. 78, 4th January 2001. "Radio Industry Web Sites" and "Careers Information Resources"
- FreePint No. 53, 6th January 2000. "PanEris: a model for the virtual establishment" and "Online Information - The past and the future"
- FreePint No. 29, 7th January 1999. "Understanding 'cookies' on the Web" and "Internet, copyright and linking"
- FreePint No. 5, 8th January 1998. "Top Five Web Resources of 1997" and "Finding IT on the WWW"
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Forthcoming
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FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
[Provisional]
FUMSI
- Finding People
Web Analytics and Information Architecture
- Competitive Intelligence
- Federated Search Blogging
- Automatic Classification - A Panel Discussion
- Better Knowledge Management
VIP
- LexisNexis interview
- ISI Emerging Markets
- SSRN
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), Jill Hurst-Wahl, Kate Simpson, Tim Buckley Owen, Nancy Davis Kho (Copyeditor), Robin Neidorf (General Manager), William Hann (Publisher), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
Quantum2 from Dialog, Mark Logic, Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited, Bank of England, The British Council, Glen Recruitment, TFPL, FUMSI, VIP, Jinfo.
(c) Free Pint Limited 1997-2009 <http://www.freepint.com/>
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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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