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30th April 2009
No.276
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About FreePint
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FreePint publishes newsletters, websites, magazines and resources for the information industry. The FreePint Family of publications publishes practical tips, product reviews, expert tips, research collections and hands-on tools to support information work of all kinds. The FreePint Bar provides a Q&A forum for getting your research questions answered and building a network of peers worldwide.
This twice-monthly free FreePint Newsletter serves as a guide to the latest content, including discussion at the Bar, tips articles, vacancies, professional development events, product reviews, editorial commentary and more. Subscribing is free and connects you with the information community around the world. Subscribe today.
The latest announcements, including publication contents, can always be found at the FreePint Feed. Subscribe to RSS for the FreePint Feed for fastest updates.
Please share FreePint with others by forwarding this newsletter.
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Editorial
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By Sara Waddington
 FreePint is sponsoring an award, to pay for up to two memberships in SLA and support participation in SLA Europe. The 'Early Career' Award is for a student nearing degree completion or an early-career information professional (first five years). The 'Experienced Professional' Award is for a professional with more than five years' experience in the information field.
The award grows out of our excellent relationship with SLA and SLA Europe. We conceived the idea while sharing ideas with SLA around how to best support information professionals during difficult times and build up awareness of SLA for European professionals, prior to the organisation's Centennial celebration this June. We'll be there - be sure to register your interest in FreePint doings and our exclusive special report to be published following the event.
 Finding and sharing the right information can sometimes be a matter of life and death, as this issue of the FreePint Newsletter illustrates. The charity Practical Action, writes Jane Eason in her article 'Knowledge for Survival', offers a Practical Answers service which is helping hundreds of people around the world overcome their own poverty, through the provision of knowledge and information. Through sharing and disseminating information, this practical support has had major impacts on the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of poor men and women throughout the world.
Practical Action has a very clear message: sharing knowledge through a range of techniques, while embracing and complimenting traditional cultures, will help millions of people escape poverty.
The importance of finding and sharing the right information is also highlighted in Heather Carine's article 'Finding competitive business information in six steps'. She shares her six basic steps for performing corporate competitive research, along with tips for getting started. These six steps highlight that the art of finding competitive business information starts well before the research question has been asked, and continues well after the results have been found.
How important is it for you to add value to your work product? Do you know if you've added value? Participate in our brief survey and receive a copy of the summary report.
Sara Waddington
Senior Managing Editor
FreePint
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2009
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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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My Favourite Tipples
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By Jane John
Market and industry research in a high-tech sector often involves getting up to speed quickly on a new technology or product. Here are some helpful sites.
- Techstreet by Thomson Reuters leads to industry codes and standards for purchase. Many contain a short online description. When doing research on a new technology, it's nice to see what the regulatory issues and challenges are - browsing Techstreet by industry is useful as a first look at regulations and benchmarks.
- R&D Magazine has a searchable archive of overview articles that often cite leading edge institutions or companies in a new field. Searching R&D Community broadens the search. Use the Resources section to find trade associations relevant to various disciplines.
- Industry Research Desk by Polson Enterprises is a step by step guide to industry and company research. It is especially strong on the manufacturing industries. If you are new to market research, there are informative guides about how to research companies, industries, and manufacturing processes. It is a good place to start if you are a generalist and always have to research a new industry.
- Using the advanced search option in Scirus, you can tick as many (or as few) categories as needed to focus a search within three broad areas: Information Types, Information Sources, and Subject Areas. Scientist Homepages can sometimes help locate an expert to call.
- Formerly Thomas Register Online, ThomasNet is all about products - as its website says, "from Actuators to Zirconium and everything in between". You can browse through hierarchical product listings, search by company, or link to thousands of online product catalogues. Thomas Global is the global version.
- Finally, for converting "just about anything to anything else" try OnlineConversion at http://www.onlineconversion.com
Jane John is owner and principal researcher at On Point Research. On Point Research prepares Market Views that are used by new firms to develop business plans and seek funding; and by established companies to assess new markets. Its research helps companies to identify new market opportunities and reduce the risk of their next business decision.
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://web.freepint.com/go/family/contribute>.
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"FUMSI is nothing less than a vital resource
for me - thank you so much!"
Find Your Focus:
Subscribe to FUMSI Focus for Free!
Monthly update with favourite web resources from our FUMSI Contributing Editors.
Plus highlights from FUMSI offerings
Learn more and subscribe »
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FreePint Bar
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By Sara Waddington
Guidelines for discussion group good practice, adding value, psychology 'evolution trees' and directory functionality 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 »
FreePint Bar
- One 'Pinter requests pointers on good practice guidelines for running successful discussion groups on extranets. This should include advice on posts, orphans and group 'gardening'.
- How important is it for you to add value to your work product? Do you know if you've added value? Take our brief FreePint survey (4 questions), and receive a copy of the summary report.
- Does anyone know of a 'family tree' or 'evolution tree' of psychology in its broadest sense? Please send your thoughts to this FreePinter.
- A 'Pinter would appreciate recommendations for vendors/products that provide expert directory functionality e.g. staff directory with ability to tag individuals by skill sets, communities of practice etc. and show relationships between individuals within an organisation.
- Don't forget to check the latest FreePint news on the FreePint feed. FreePint is sponsoring an award to fund up to two SLA memberships and complete an application. FreePint is also supporting those who have lost their jobs due to business closures or redundancies. Apply for gap subscriptions to keep you in the loop during your search.
Visit the FreePint Bar »
FreePint Feed
The FreePint Feed keeps you up to date on what's new across all the sites in the FreePint Family.
Visit the FreePint Feed »
Sara Waddington is Senior Managing Editor of FreePint. She can be contacted at sara.waddington@freepint.com
The FreePint Bar is where you can get free help with your tricky research questions.
Subscribe to the free FreePint Digest to receive a weekly update of the latest Bar discussion, plus FreePint Feed announcements.
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In April's Issue of VIP:
- Product Reviews of Newser, SeeNews and Mergent Online
- Announcements of new legal products from both LexisNexis and Westlaw
- Exclusive interview with Kim Zwollo of Springer Science + Business Media
Buy this issue, or save money by subscribing now »
Subscribers receive in-depth product reviews as stand-alone reports
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Unexpected Career Gap?
Take advantage of FreePint's Gap Subscription programme:
Free subscriptions to our premium publications while you search for your next opportunity.
Learn more and apply »
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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:
Knowledge for Survival
FUMSI: Share
The charity Practical Action, writes Jane Eason, offers a Practical Answers service which is helping hundreds of people around the world overcome their own poverty, through the provision of knowledge and information. Through sharing and disseminating information, this practical support has had major impacts on the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of poor men and women throughout the world.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'Yet, this service is more than just offering information; it is about putting communities in touch with others who have benefited, experts and also working in partnership with other organisations, encouraging people to share information and take ownership of their projects.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Finding competitive business information in six steps
FUMSI: Find
While every quest for competitive information results in a different end point, the strategic researcher knows that the process for finding information follows the same key principles. Heather Carine shares her six basic steps for performing corporate competitive research, along with tips for getting started.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'The best sources for reliable information are those that care about the topic. Who cares enough about the industry, company or person that you are researching that they will provide accurate and reliable information?'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Also recently added to the FUMSI database:
Browse all FUMSI articles »
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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 Covers News Products
Business researchers require access to all kinds of news. VIP often reviews news products, and in April brings in-depth reviews of two niche products:
- SeeNews: Combination of premium and free news covering 10 South Eastern Europe (SEE) countries. If you focus on this exciting market, SeeNews is an important resource to know about.
- Newser: Free news resource, enhanced with a range of social media functions. For those on a tight budget (and who isn't?), Newser presents a viable option.
Each of these reviews can be purchased as stand-alone reports, starting at GBP 39 for single-site use. Or purchase April's Issue No. 65 for GBP 54 to receive both, plus our in-depth review of Mergent Online.
VIP LiveWire
VIP contributing editors comment daily on what's happening in the industry.
Visit the LiveWire for their insights, and subscribe to the free VIP Wires Weekly for regular alerts.
Recent posts:
- The annual Next Web Conference (http://2009.thenextweb.com), which was held in Amsterdam last week is a showcase for internet start-ups and new applications, as well a networking event for more than 900 internet professionals........
Direct link to posting: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e19015
- Yet more evidence - if any were needed - of the morphing of information providers from one-way conduits to community hubs comes now from two information industry veterans: Hoover's and Martindale-Hubbell.........
Direct link to posting: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e18907
- I have recently come across Reportlinker, http://www.reportlinker.com/, a source of published market research. What makes it different from competitive sources such as Marketresearch.com, is that some of its content is free.........
Direct link to posting: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e18674
VIP
LiveWire »
VIP Wire
Information-related product and news announcements. Post your
releases and receive news FREE.
VIP Wire »
VIP - Subscribe
and Back Issues
Start a trial subscription today for only GBP 80 for three months. Visit http://www.vivavip.com/sample.html to start your trial. You can also purchase back-issues of VIP from the VIP Archive.
VIP Archive »
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Apply for FreePint's SLA Membership Award
Up to 2 free memberships in SLA, in partnership with the European chapter of SLA.
Read about the award and submit your application - deadline is 30 April 2009:
http://web.freepint.com/go/how/award/
Don't forget to RSVP for the SLA Annual Conference: Learn where to meet FreePint editors, and get your copy of the FreePint SLA Special Report upon publication in July!
Learn more about SLA and the annual conference on the SLA Website.
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The Market for Info Skills has Changed...
So has Jinfo.
Check out expanded offering - professional development events as well as vacancies: http://www.jinfo.com/
How can we enhance Jinfo further? Help us with your suggestions by completing our brief survey: http://digbig.com/4yknr
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Jinfo - Jobs and Events in Information
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 Jinfo is the central location for supporting your information career. The Jinfo Jobs database lists vacancies, and the Jinfo Events database lists workshops, conferences, training, webinars and other professional development opportunities.
Start a free subscription to receive the weekly Jinfo Update, with a complete list of the latest vacancies and events, or search the databases 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/>.
Jinfo Jobs:
Here is a selection of the latest featured vacancies in the Jinfo database:
- Library Manager
Library Manager, Law Librarian, Legal
Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- Industry Analyst
An Industry Analyst is required to work for a leading advisory services organisation. The ideal candidate will bring both...
Recruiter: TFPL
Country: United Kingdom
- Legal Knowhow Content Developer - Contract
Legal intranet content, information architecture and taxonomy specialist for one year Maternity Leave vacancy.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- Knowledge and Information Manager
The Knowledge and Information Manager's duties include working with colleagues on improved communication, knowledge sharing and...
Recruiter: House of Commons
Country: United Kingdom
- Research Consultant
Health economics consultancy in North East needs researcher with literature searching experience in the medical sector. Permanent role, GBP 21,000 - GBP 35,000
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
Browse all Jinfo
Jobs »
Jinfo Events:
Here is a selection of the latest featured events in the Jinfo database:
Browse all Jinfo
Events »
Jinfo - the best place for information-related job vacancies and professional development opportunities.
- RECRUITING?
- Advertise a vacancy for just GBP 195
- 10% discount for agencies
- 50% discount for registered charities
- RUNNING AN EVENT?
List it on Jinfo to reach a targeted audience seeking professional development opportunities
- Get started at <http://web.jinfo.com/events/load/>
- Partner events listed for free; enquire at <support@jinfo.com>.
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: Europeana by Adrian Janes, UK Contributing Editor.
Europeana is an ambitious collaborative project between European archives, libraries and museums. First launched in November 2008, the initial interest was so great that it overwhelmed the site. The current version is described as a prototype, with the full-scale launch now expected in 2010. But even at this stage, it is a most interesting resource, claiming currently to provide access to four million digital items but anticipating this to have grown to 10 million by next year.
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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Gold
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A look back at what the FreePint Newsletter covered at this time in previous years:
- FreePint No. 251, 24th April 2008. "UK Government Information on the Internet" and "Develop Your Independent Business: Using Information Strategically"
- FreePint No. 228, 19th April 2007. "Product Evaluations: Completing a Needs Assessment" and "Tough Love: Excelling at Customer Service Is Not Just One Big Happy-Clappy Hugfest"
- FreePint No. 205, 4th May 2006. "Gleaning consumer intelligence from blogs and podcasts" and "Trends in business information, provision and use"
- FreePint No. 181, 28th April 2005. "Distance Learning is Closing the Distance" and "Using A Website To Open Up The Archive"
- FreePint No. 158, 15th April 2004. "Searching for success: an update on search engine developments" and "Time Management"
- FreePint No. 135, 17th April 2003. "Radio on the Internet" and "Scenario Planning"
- FreePint No. 110, 18th April 2002. "A World of Resources Awaits You in China" and "Customer Satisfaction - do you know what they think of your information service?"
- FreePint No. 86, 26th April 2001. "Investment Funds" and "Searching for the ultimate Middle East business site"
- FreePint No. 61, 27th April 2000. "Top sites on the Web for Air Transport" and "The Internet as a tool for teaching English as a Foreign Language"
- FreePint No. 37, 29th April 1999. "Finding Outdoor Information on the Web" and "Something for nothing? Engineering e-journals"
- FreePint No. 13, 30th April 1998. "Intranet Resources on the Web" and "Access IAC Direct Through InSite Pro"
FreePint Newsletter Archive »
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Forthcoming Articles - Provisional
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FUMSI
- Finding Images, Audio and Video
- Proving the value of your information
- Lean Intranets: Part Two
- Social Bookmarking Services: Part 2
VIP
- SeeNews and Newser reviews
- Mergent Online
- Web of Science/Scopus
- Syndicated loans databases
- Cision Social Media Solution
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://web.freepint.com/go/family/contribute/>
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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), Jane Eason, Heather Carine, Jane John, Nancy Davis Kho (Copyeditor), Robin Neidorf (General Manager), William Hann (Publisher), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
Quantum2 from Dialog, Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited, Glen Recruitment, TFPL, Weekes Gray Recruitment, House Of Commons.
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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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