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24th April 2008
No.251
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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 William Hann and Robin Neidorf
 Tell someone who works in another industry that your job involves business information, and you may get a blank stare. To those not working in the field, the phrase 'business information' is vague, even confusing.
 Part of the reason for the confusion is that our industry touches every aspect of business. The latest additions to the FUMSI database demonstrate the breadth of expertise that information professionals bring to business.
We welcome another contribution from Adrian Janes, who authored last year's European Research Resources Report, part of the Regional Research Series. His current article focuses on useful resources published by UK government agencies. (DocuTicker fans might be pleased to know that Adrian is considering joining that site's editorial team specifically to share UK and European links!).
Another returning contributor is Joanna Ptolomey, sharing her wisdom on how information consultants can grow their businesses using their research skills. Her ideas are applicable not just to information consultancies but to any growing business.
Other recent additions to the database offer insight on negotiating contracts, protecting against identity theft, creating green initiatives, and more. All of these topics -- and each of the other diverse articles in the FUMSI database -- relate to business information. However you touch information, whether you find it, use it, manage it, or share it, you are an information professional. FUMSI subscribers can share these insights throughout their organisations, raising the bar for information skills and building stonger links between different aspects of the business.
In biology, diversity is a sign of health. In business, too, a range of skills and perspectives makes for a resilient and sustainable organisation. Information professionals of every kind are part of healthy business. Explore our resources to learn something new, add to your own skills, or find experts with complementary skills. Have a question? Post it to the FreePint Bar for diverse responses.
William Hann, Publisher
Robin Neidorf, General Manager
Free Pint Limited
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2008
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Back By Popular Demand:
Handwriting Analysis
Visit Dow Jones Booth 401
SLA Annual Conference
15th - 18th June 2008, Seattle, USA
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My Favourite Tipples
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By Marcy Phelps
 Many of my clients like to use market research for making business decisions. They love the industry projections and market share information, but they generally don’t have the sort of budget that can accommodate costly packaged reports. As a result, I have a few sites that I generally use as starting points for market research on a budget:
- Market Research Findings offers summaries of survey findings from worldwide sources, organised by industry. Tour the rest of the site to learn more about how to do market research.
- At ClickZ Stats you will find articles covering more than 20 sectors of the global online industry. Look for online facts, Internet research, trends and analysis.
- Marketing site KnowThis.com provides a list of links to sourcesof market research reports. Some of these sources are fee-based, while many are free.
- Metrics 2.0 collects global trends, surveys, statistics, facts, figures, and forecasts from thousands of authoritative sources. It’s updated frequently, so you won’t find stale research here.
- Finally, when you have to purchase a packaged report, go to MarketResearch.com. It sells many of its reports by the section, which can help you stay within your budget. The March issue of VIP magazine also includes a review of MarketResearch.com.
Marcy Phelps is contributing editor of the 'Find' practice area of FUMSI, the new website and online magazine for those who Find, Use, Manage or Share information from Free Pint Ltd.
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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 Thomson Scientific. 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://scientific.thomson.com/quantum2/>
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Executive Search Products -- Free and Fee <http://web.vivavip.com/go/vip/>
Searching for information on financial services indicators and forecasts? VIP's latest issue analyses and reviews what's on offer ...
VIP's latest issue looks in-depth at two leading market research products - 'Market.Research.com' and 'Research and Markets' - plus an in-depth focus on the FT's series of fee-based forums
Order your copy today (GBP 54), or start your subscription now:
<http://www.vivavip.com/order/>
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FreePint Bar
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By Monique Cuvelier
<http://www.freepint.com/bar>
The
FreePint Bar is generously sponsored by Dow Jones Factiva
 Finding information and software is a hot topic on the FreePint Bar. You'll find some details below on issues that FreePinters have posted with their technologies, plus more discussions on blogs, manufacturing and research. As ever, you can ask your challenging questions at the Bar.
- One 'Pinter is looking for information on a substitute material for aluminium that has better thermal conductivity, is heat resistant to 300 degree centigrade is food grade and biodegradable and available in sheets from 10 to 80 microns. Where should he look?
- Another FreePinter is searching for patent analysis software. He has found one - Patent Insight pro – but would like suggestions from the Bar for patent analysis software that may be similar to this. Can you help?
- One ambitious project on the FreePint Bar involves pulling together a list of 'awards' for the research and information sector (e.g. LARIA has an award each year for local Government research projects). If you know of any - or a list of awards - please let our FreePinter know.
- One 'Pinter wishes to take a course in librarianship but does not particularly enjoy the cataloguing element, preferring to deal with enquiries, customer care, managing data and searching through the internet. She has found an information management course an asks the Bar 'How close is the information management related to librarianship? Are there any other opportunities after finishing it apart from libraries?’
- Can anyone help with pointers to free business proposal templates, weblinks or software which will allow another FreePinter to design systems flow charts?
- Before one FreePinter attempts his own in-house solution, he wants to ask the Bar if anyone has successfully managed to create RSS feeds based on the OLIB library catalogue system (he is using OLIB WebView 2.5). Ideally this should be achieved without having to upgrade.
Clearly, information touches everyone's desk, and in different ways. Find your information niche by exploring the resources at FUMSI, and let us know: do you primarily Find, Use, Manageor Share information? Post your thoughts or questions on changing information work at the Bar, or send us an email at support@fumsi.com
Sign up for the twice-weekly Bar Digest at <http://www.freepint.com/subs/>.
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. Here are the most recent additions:
"UK Government Information on the Internet "
FUMSI: Find
The sheer breadth and scope of information available online from the UK government can be both a blessing and a curse, especially as many of the legacy sites are being consolidated or updated. Adrian Janes provides some time-saving tips for more quickly locating the answers you need in sites and directories maintained by the British government.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'One drawback with online Government information has been the lack of attention to the issue of digital preservation. This has been improving, but it means that it is largely impossible to find free online documents from before the mid-1990s.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now. »
"Develop Your Independent Business: Using Information Strategically"
FUMSI: Use
Independent information professionals may work outside the corporate fold, but that doesn't excuse them from the critical tasks of auditing their own businesses and strategic planning. Joanna Ptolemy shares her own process for finding, using, synthesising and delivering the information from her independent practice to the most important client of all - herself.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'The reality is that unless you have a private income or have won the lottery then you will need to make money from your business on a regular basis and plan for continued change and future income.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Also recently Added to the FUMSI Database:
Download now »
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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.
The Jinfo Newsletter now features CV Makeovers, in which a job seeker's CV is critiqued and revised by specialists in the field as well as career tips for all experience levels. Read the latest edition and subscribe free at <http://www.jinfo.com/newsletter/>.
Jinfo Jobs in the FreePint Newsletter are supported through our partnership with Quantum2, an innovative skills development programme offered by Thomson Scientific. Learn more at <http://scientific.thomson.com/quantum2/>
Here is a selection of the latest featured entries in the Jinfo database:
- Researcher
A prestigious Career Transition / Organisational Consulting company in London requires a bright, outgoing and highly capable indiv...
Recruiter: Right Management Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8878>
- Lead Associate Collections and Core Content
Health service requires experienced manager to take responsibility for the future strategic development of the digital collection.
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8812>
- Head Of Records
Manage the Records functions within all UK offices to provide the company with an accurate internal database of client instructions and related property data.
Recruiter: Atisreal
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8862>
- User Researcher
If you have a passion for and experience with all aspects of user research, with an in-depth understanding of a variety of research methods and how to analyse data from a range of sources, you'll cert...
Recruiter: MSN
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8866>
- Knowledge & Information Officer - ADVERTISING
Advertising Agency Information Officer to provide research support for top Media Co. in plush new Central London offices.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8911>
- Information Assistant
Information Assistant needed to catalogue our electronic and hardcopy resources, help to develop online services, and work on our...
Recruiter: Fostering Network
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8945>
- Information Officer
The purpose of the role is to provide information management support to the Educational Research and Analysis.
Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8946>
- Manager, Content Management Standards
The Standards Manager will join Pearson's global Content Management program to support the Global Content Management Council.
Recruiter: Intelligent Resources
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8969>
[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/>
Subscribe to the free Weekly update of the latest jobs,
plus the monthly newsletter with career tips:
<http://www.jinfo.com/subs/>
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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*** Adding staff this year? Recruit on Jinfo! ***
<http://www.jinfo.com/>
A cost-effective listing on Jinfo reaches active and passive candidates with the skills you need.
Include a FUMSI category, and your vacancy will also be included on the FUMSI website and FUMSI Magazine for even broader reach!
Get started today: <http://www.jinfo.com/recruit/>
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Recently in VIP
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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. 52 includes:
- The FT is taking advantage of the popularity of social networking sites by launching a series of its own fee-based forums
- VIP looks in-depth at two leading market research products - 'Market.research.com' and ' Research and Markets'
- Managing Successful Vendor Contracts Part 2
Purchase this issue from the VIP website, or start your subscription now: <http://web.vivavip.com/go/vip/52>
NEW: Now publishing the VIP LiveWire
Commentary on the industry, by the VIP editorial team. Get their insight on trends, products, user needs and more.
Recent posts:
Request a sample issue of VIP, or start a trial subscription today for only GBP 70 for three months. Trial offer is not available through the Web site; email <support@vivaVIP.com>
for details.
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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.
Recently published:
Best of ResourceShelf 2008 - The annual Best of ResourceShelf presentation.
This presentation links to a wide range of tools and websites in several key ResourceShelf categories - mobile, multimedia, data mining/search, digitization, FireFox add-ons, people search, Web preservation, aerial imagery, resources for educators and location-based and real-time information.
Full posting with live links: http://www.resourceshelf.com/2008/04/14/resource-of-the-week-best-of-resourceshelf-2008/
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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Events
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It is free to search and advertise information-related gatherings in FreePint Events <http://www.freepint.com/events/>.
Premium listings
These events are hosted by our partner organisations and/or advertisers:
- "Managing Up: Partnering with Stakeholders to Achieve Result"
15th May 2008
*Webinar*
This workshop focuses on techniques for building the credibility and relationships necessary to inspire productive change. It offers tips on communicating effectively with anyone who might affect the success of your work projects, by identifying and working with specific influencing or relationship building tactics and styles. In short, we look at how we "manage up" to achieve the results that we want for our service.
Organised by: Thomson Scientific
Location: London
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.freepint.com/go/e1017>
Free listings
 United Kingdom:
 United States:
 Australia and Territories:
*** 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. 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" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/190407.htm>
- FreePint No. 205, 4th May 2006. "Gleaning consumer intelligence from blogs and podcasts" and "Gleaning consumer intelligence from blogs and podcasts" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/040506.htm>
- FreePint No. 181, 28th April 2005. "Distance Learning is Closing the Distance" and "Using A Website To Open Up The Archive" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/280405.htm>
- FreePint No. 159, 6th May 2004. "Working in Older Age" and "Marketing for the Info-Entrepreneur" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/060504.htm>
- FreePint No. 136, 1st May 2003. "Risk Management: An Additional Axis For Information Professionals?" and "UK Freedom of Information Act 2000:The Road To Implementation" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/010503.htm>
- FreePint No. 111, 2nd May 2002. "International Law" and "Weblogs and Blogging - Part 1" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/020502.htm>
- FreePint No. 86, 26th April 2001. "Investment Funds" and
"Searching for the ultimate Middle East business site" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/260401.htm>
- 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" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/270400.htm>
- FreePint No. 37, 29th April 1999. "Finding Outdoor Information on the Web" and "Something for nothing? Engineering e-journals" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/290499.htm>
- FreePint No. 13, 30th April 1998. "Intranet Resources on the Web" and "Access IAC Direct Through InSite Pro"
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/300498.htm>
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Forthcoming
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FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
[Provisional]
- European Union publications
- US government documents
- Social media for enterprise
- Using information effectively for a developing business
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:
Tim Buckley Owen, Donna Fryer, Sara Waddington (Senior Managing Editor, FUMSI), Monique Cuvelier (Contributing Editor: Share), Robin Neidorf (General Manager, FreePint), Shirl Kennedy
(Senior Editor, ResourceShelf and DocuTicker), William Hann (Managing Editor, FreePint), Penny Hann
(Production Editor, FreePint), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
Dowjones Factiva, Thomson Scientific, Weekes Gray Recruitment, Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited, Glen Recruitment, TFPL, VIP, ResourceShelf, DocuTicker, 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 email <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, Managing Editor, <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.
FreePint is published by Free Pint Limited, registered in England and
Wales. Registered Number: 3754418. Registered Office: Delaport Coach
House, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead, Herts, AL4 8RQ
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