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5th February 2009
No.270
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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
 Knowing where to find the right information is a key skill that today's info pros and researchers can use to slice accurately through the endless streams of data on the web. We examine this, in more detail, in this issue of the FreePint Newsletter - it will become an even more valuable skill in the future.
Arthur Weiss, in his article, 'If They Only Knew: Finding Competitive Intelligence from the Websites of Your Competitors and Their Friends', pinpoints how to find the nuggets of information that can give clues to what a company is doing. Even though companies have become smarter about securing information on their websites, competitive intelligence researchers can still find valuable nuggets of information if they know where and how to look. Arthur presents some sleuthing techniques to help shed light on competitors' alliances, product plans and strategies.
 What and who are the library and librarians of the future, asks Jill Fenton, in her review of the recent Internet Librarian International event. Future librarians and information professionals need to provide information solutions and problem solving. Not only should they push focused, predictive and analytical information to their clients and users, she says, but they should investigate new solutions such as e-discovery tools. She goes on to examine, in more depth, the main attributes of the 'next generation library' and its contents, as well as the future role of the librarian.
Don't forget that a raft of new articles, reports and tools, as well as new Folios for FUMSI subscribers, are available from the FUMSI website. Stay in touch - please e-mail your suggestions, ideas and requests to support@freepint.com, or use our online suggestion box.
Sara Waddington
Senior Managing Editor
Free Pint Limited
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2009
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My Favourite Tipples
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By Sylvia James
This request for my favourite sites comes at a very good time as I have just moved my web browsing activities to Firefox, following some really disturbing reports a few weeks ago about yet more problems with hackers and the safety of Internet Explorer.
The move made me think very carefully about my bookmarks and made me realise how few I use regularly and how unique most of my searches were. I ended up just moving some selected sites with the very utilitarian internet banking and railway timetable from my local station, so now my new browser page looks very Spartan and clear.
But there were a few sites I did move....
- The first was Yahoo/Altavista's Babelfish translation site, which I use all the time and really could not do without. I know only too well that automated translation is far from perfect, but it is still an absolute godsend over using dictionaries and I very rarely am unable to get the gist of the translation to English they provide. I can also generally make myself understood by using the site to write a message in the selected language.
- A set of sites I did move were the SLA (Special Libraries Association) group, which I use all the time for the best network of information professionals anywhere with SLA Europe and the Business & Finance Division.
- The other regular sites that I am using at the moment are two on business books. My favourite is the New York Times list of "Best Business Books Ever?" with a really interesting blog and another more unusual site on the financial fiction genre which also has an intriguing section on financial scandals.
- The other site I am using almost daily is "Credit Writedowns' List of Financial Institutions" to keep up to date with which financial institutions are admitting what liabilities they have!
Sylvia James has had her own business as a management consultant since 1988. Before this, she worked for 20 years in various positions researching business information for financial service companies and multinational companies. Today, she writes, teaches and consults on a range of projects internationally from company research to advice on business information services and sources. She was named the ALA (American Library Association) RUSA/BRASS award winner for 2007 for Excellence in Business Librarianship. She is a Fellow of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and currently on its Board of Directors as Treasurer.
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.onopoly.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
Scholarships, publication rankings, TV audience sizes and currency terminology 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 with a sample motivation letter for a scholarship in Librarianship and Information management.
- One Bar member is trying to find, in one place, a list of rankings according to tier for all LIS journals & publications (print & electronic).
- Another 'Pinter is looking for a comparison in audience size between public television and commercial television (recent 2007-2008). This could be either for the average viewing day or for the average prime-time period.
- Another 'Pinter has requested help with the correct form for writing a currency amount in rupees, as specified in the posting.
- VIP Issue No. 62 has been published. In this issue, Donna Fryer advises on finding reliable data on people using 'The Big Three'; Joanna Ptolomey assesses the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) in its 15th year of existence and Diana Nutting looks closely at ISI DealWatch. Paul Al-Nakaash of LexisNexis explains the processes involved in the vendor-publisher licensing relationship.
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.
Become a fan of FUMSI on Facebook
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:
If They Only Knew: Finding Competitive Intelligence from the Websites of Your Competitors and Their Friends
FUMSI: Find
Even though companies have become smarter about securing information on their web sites, competitive intelligence researchers can still find valuable nuggets of information if they know where and how to look. Arthur Weiss presents some sleuthing techniques to help shed light on competitor's alliances, product plans and strategies.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'Until recently, a quoted UK company in the security industry included the PowerPoint files used in its annual results presentations on their investor pages. These included a results graph that linked to an Excel spreadsheet with multiple worksheets, including the budgeted and forecast sales of all their clients: several UK police forces, court services and custodial services. Its business was protecting human beings - not its own data!'
Read, print, save or forward this article now. »
Internet Librarian International 2008
FUMSI: Share
The Internet Librarian International conference took place in London on 16-17 October 2008. Jill Fenton reviews it for FUMSI and outlines some of the discussions and ideas around what the library and librarian of the future should be.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'They (future librarians) need to have a combination of skills: be customer focused, open to technological ideas, able to project manage, be end-user trainers, information navigators and user interface experts.'
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
"...an excellent primer on Federated Search... -- Taxonomy Watch"
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. 62 includes:
- People Information: Donna Fryer advises on finding reliable data on people using 'The Big Three'.
- Under Review: Joanna Ptolomey assesses the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) in its 15th year of existence; and Diana Nutting looks closely at ISI DealWatch.
- Inside Aggregation: Paul Al-Nakaash of LexisNexis explains the processes involved in the vendor-publisher licensing relationship.
- Creative Input: the UK government's IPO has begun a review of copyright with a view to amending it for the 21st century; and other industry news and product updates.
In the next VIP: KYC review
Purchase VIP issue no. 62 from the VIP website, or start your subscription now.
VIP LiveWire
VIP contributing editors comment daily on what's happening in the industry.
Visit the LiveWire for their insights, and subscribe
for free to receive weekly updates at http://www.vivavip.com/order/digest/
Recent posts:
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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Stay in Touch with Demand for Talent
http://www.jinfo.com/
Subscribe to the free weekly Jinfo Jobs Update to stay informed about vacancies. Know the value of your skills, whether or not you are currently seeking a new role.
Free to subscribe now: http://www.jinfo.com/subs/
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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:
- Information Management Specialist
Outgoing and IT-savvy person needed at green energy company to manage info and docs through their lifecycle
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
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Information Services Manager
An excellent opportunity to join one of the regions fastest growing law firms in the role of Information Services Manager
Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- Temporary Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer
Experience with subject area requests particularly in social care files; methodical approach; experience in working with members of the public
Recruiter: TFPL
Country: United Kingdom
- Information Officer (3 days p.w.) - 6 months plus
Part Time Information Officer opportunity (Tuesday - Thursday) to work in Central London - Maternity Leave contract.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- Records Manager
Seeking records manager with communication skills for crucial role in national security
Recruiter: Stafford Long
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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 Every week, the editors of ResourceShelf explore a Resource of the Week. Get them for free every week via email by subscribing to the ResourceShelf Newsletter.
Become a fan of ResourceShelf and DocuTicker on Facebook
Recently published:
- Resource of the Week: Digital TV Transition
As this article is being written, it looks like the there's an impending deal in the US Senate to delay the nation's switch to all-digital television from next month until June 12. Among other things, it would give consumers access to more of those coupons to subsidize the purchase of converter boxes for older TVs. According to the Nielsen Company, more than 6.5 million U.S. households are not prepared for the switchover.
Read the rest, including live links
DocuTicker publishes citations of full-text, free reports available on the web. Visit daily for new postings, or subscribe to the weekly DocuTicker Newsletter.
Highlights:
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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 States:
- AIIP 23rd Annual Conference
26 - 29 March 2009
Annual business development and education conference for independent information professionals.
 United Kingdom:
- CILIP's Umbrella 2009
14 - 15 July 2009
Umbrella is the flagship event of CILIP: The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. It is a well-established, must-attend biennial gathering for library and information professionals.
Free listings
United Kingdom:
United States:
 Australia:
 Spain:
 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. 246, 14th February 2008. "Evaluating Researchers: Developing a Skills Matrix" and "Statistics: Can You Really Believe the Figures?"
- FreePint No. 223, 1st February 2007. "Why I Prefer Hardcopy" and "Paperless Myth: Rumours of Paper's Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated"
- FreePint No. 199, 2nd February 2006. "Learning languages online" and "Bar Orphans: Getting your questions answered at the FreePint Bar"
- FreePint No. 176, 10th February 2005. "Understanding Consumers through Online Competitive Intelligence" and "Child Rights: Is Information really free for all?"
- FreePint No. 153, 5th February 2004. "Disintegrating Digital Fences: Finding Business Information in Ukraine and its Neighbouring Countries" and "10 things you should know about the UK's Freedom of Information regime"
- FreePint No. 130, 6th February 2003. "Online Library Catalogues" and "Patent Searching Without Words - Why Do It, How To Do It?"
- FreePint No. 105, 7th February 2002. "Business Information in Germany" and "Pay Per Click Search Engines and Promoting your Website"
- FreePint No. 80, 1st February 2001. "An adventure in ADSL: the Superhighway finally becomes 'super'?" and "E-Books"
- FreePint No. 55, 3rd February 2000. "Classical Music Web Sites" and "Researching the Researchers - Finding Market Research Agencies on the Web"
- FreePint No. 31, 4th February 1999. "Researching from home" and "Internet Resources for Seniors"
- FreePint No. 7, 5th February 1998. "Fabricating Information" and "Engineering resources: examples and sources"
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Forthcoming
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FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
[Provisional]
FUMSI
- Better Knowledge Management
Automatic Classification
- Data Visualisation
- Search Engines
VIP
- Interview with EIU
- Nexis Direct Review
- KYC Review
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), Arthur Weiss, Jill Fenton, Sylvia James, 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, Glen Recruitment, TFPL, Weekes Gray Recruitment, Stafford Long, 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.
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