Spring is finally emerging in the northern hemisphere. In the FreePint garden, we're delighted to see the latest new shoot emerge: The FreePint Report: Copyright Policies and Practices, now published and available to order online. Over 500 respondents shared their opinions and perspectives on how their organisations are managing the risks associated with copyright, as well as how they themselves are interacting with copyright-protected content. Editorial comment from project sponsors Copyright Clearance Center, Dialog, Dow Jones and the Financial Times provide a vendor perspective as well. And related commentary from VIP's LiveWire bring our contributing editors' insights to this challenging issue in our industry. We look forward to hearing your comments on this groundbreaking report.

Like any healthy plant, the FreePint Report: Copyright Policies and Practices took a lot of nurturing over many months. As a gardener, I find plenty of other inspiration for a thriving business:

Clean it up: You can't make anything new grow when last year's leaves are mouldering on the ground. Take this as a time to tidy up databases, email inboxes, and review your resource collection. A VIP subscription can help you make better decisions about which products will thrive in your collection and which might need to be pruned.

Fertilise: Last year's nutrients are depleted, so feed the garden for healthy growth this year. Professional development can do the same for your career or business -- check out Jinfo Events for the right programme to fill a gap in your knowledge, present new and creative ideas or simply put you in touch with other professionals who can push you to think differently and make something new happen.

Experiment: Every year I try plants that I haven't tried before. Some flourish, and others I chalk up to the learning process. The FUMSI article database is a rich resource of ways to experiment. This issue's featured FUMSI articles offer up fresh thinking on leveraging social media for business objectives. Stewart Bain's case study of using Twitter to promote a library combines strategy, consistency and even humour to spread the word. Ellen Naylor provides a unique approach to successful cold calling by building on leads found in social media.

Transplant: Sometimes the right plant is in the wrong place. Move it to a new location, and suddenly it blooms. If you've found yourself embedded in the wrong landscape, consider the opportunities listed on Jinfo Jobs. Recruiting is on the increase, so search the database, and subscribe to the Jinfo Update for a free weekly notice of the latest opportunities.

Share with the neighbours: Extra seeds and divided plants are a welcome gift next door. Also take the time to share your knowledge: Volunteer to give a talk, participate in a panel discussion... or submit My Favourite Tipples to appear in the FreePint Newsletter or write an article for FUMSI. Learn about all the ways you can contribute.

How can we help your garden grow? Share your tricky questions at the FUMSI Forum -- our editors and entire community are ready to help.