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10th July 2008
No.256
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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
 Fast, Cheap and Good: Pick two.
In any significant project, from market research to home remodeling, you have to make your choices. You can have it fast and good, but not cheap. Or cheap and good, but not fast.
 Information workers often butt up against expectations that information can in fact be fast, cheap and good. The ubiquity of information encourages casual observers to consider it an easily captured commodity. And certainly, there is plenty of information. But is it good? And can you get what you want out of it quickly?
 Some of the latest additions to the FUMSI article database close the gap between expectations and reality. As always, the value of information professionals (no matter what they call themselves) lies in their ability to know the resources -- free and fee -- and extract useful, accurate and actionable information out of them as economically as possible. Two current FUMSI articles take on the challenge from different perspectives:
Christine Hamilton-Pennell provides insight for small business owners (who are likely on a tight budget) on research tactics and resources. Knowing which free resources deliver the goods, as well as when to spend some of an organisation's small budget, can make all the difference in balancing the fast/cheap/good equation.
How the information is structured and presented can be just as important as what the information is. Yet information architecture (IA) has too often been an afterthought, particularly in intranets that have grown organically over years. Patrick C. Walsh shows how ISO management standards, applied to information architecture for intranets, helps users get more quickly to the information they need to do their jobs. But IA also adheres to the 'fast, cheap, good' rule: when organisations skimp on IA expertise, they end up spending more in wasted time and lost productivity.
Many information-related products and services capitalise on solving the fast, cheap and good equation. Most of us, given a bit of time and budget, could research social media tools for business outcomes (as Patrice Curtis has done in her new FUMSI Report and Tool Kit or compare the sources, search functions and outputs of key legal products (as VIP Magazine has done in its June issue). As a publisher, we try to create products and resources that provide practical information, in a useable format, at a value-driven price.
What would make your work easier? What projects are you just not getting to that we might help with? Send your suggestions, ideas and requests to support@freepint.com, or use our online suggestion box. Let us know -- you may see your ideas come to life in a new FreePint offering.
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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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 the Scientific business of Thomson Reuters. 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.thomsonreuters.com/
quantum2/
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My Favourite Tipples
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By Tim Buckley Owen
As a scribbler for a whole raft of information-related publications, from FreePint and others, I need to keep abreast of information developments in business, government and the information industry itself. So I crib shamelessly from lots of sources much better qualified to comment than I am, and I hope some of them might help you spot trends too.
- Outsell is one of the most authoritative commentators on information industry trends - but its reports are expensive and it doesn't give much away about them in advance.
- Rather more forthcoming is Gartner which does, at least, provide informative press releases outlining the main findings from its latest research.
- Much of what government does has an impact on business. So I keep track of government announcements through the UK Central Office of Information's News Distribution Service and new reports through the National School of Government's Policy Hub.
- QuickLinks is a blog put together by European Commission official Richard Swetenham. It links to news items about legal and regulatory aspects of the internet and the information society.
- Finally, there's the remarkable Information Policy blog from e-Belarus.org, an independent think tank on ICT developments, e-government and e-democracy in Belarus. It's comprehensive, international and far better than many UK and US equivalents.
Tim Buckley Owen is contributing editor for the Use' 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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LexisNexis Butterworths vs. Westlaw UK VIP compares them on sources, searching, interface and output http://web.vivavip.com/go/vip/
Plus an exclusive interview with Clare Hart, and an in-depth review of CCH from Wolters Kluwer.
VIP Magazine: premium reviews and analysis for premium content purchasers
http://www.vivavip.com/
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FreePint Bar
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By Sara Waddington
 The
FreePint Bar is generously sponsored by Dow Jones Factiva
UK internships, SLA images, electronic current awareness services, technology research and business strategy 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
- One FreePinter, a school librarian in Japan, is seeking help for an internship in England or Ireland. Can you help?
- SLA's 2008 annual conference in Seattle was a great experience and the FreePint team was delighted to have been part of it. The team is sharing photos of the event with fellow FreePinters.
- Another Barista is looking for the BBC TV programme film stock of Tomorrow's World', circulated overseas under the title Living Tomorrow' by the now-defunct Central Office of Information. Any ideas?
- Can anyone help a fellow Bar member with a search for electronic current awareness services that cover the area of local government and public service issues? She is aware of IDOX, but has had no success in tracking any other suppliers and would like to check out a few more.
- Another Pinter is reviewing her corporate library capability at the moment and has been trying to find a comprehensive list of research companies, information providers, business schools etc. that provide services covering 1) technology research and 2) business strategy and corporate research. Can anyone help to point her in the right direction?
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:
Finding Competitive Information for Growing Companies FUMSI: Find
Perhaps even more than their large-scale counterparts, small businesses have an outsize need for good, actionable information on competitors, customers, markets and industries. Christine Hamilton-Pennell provides a host of free or low-cost resources for entrepreneurial companies to use in uncovering information to help them grow their businesses successfully.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'In the early stages of their existence, these new firms focus on reaching their potential customers and becoming successful in the marketplace. As such, their need for strategic information about their markets, competitors and industries is high.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now. »
ISO Management Standards, Intranets and Information Architecture FUMSI: Manage
For organisations requiring adherence to ISO standards, the design of the corporate intranet can be a critical strategic advantage. Patrick C. Walsh relates his experience in designing a corporate intranet that both engages users and provides quick, transparent access to ISO-related documentation.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'In order to improve their intranets, some organisations have employed web designers to redesign them using an approach tempered in the cauldron of the Internet. If Internet users find a website ugly, 'clunky' and they cannot easily find what they want, they are likely to 'vote with their fingers' and go to another website that serves their purpose better.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Also recently Added to the FUMSI Database:
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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 the Scientific business of Thomson Reuters. Learn more at <http://scientific.thomsonreuters.com/quantum2/>.
Here is a selection of the latest featured entries in the Jinfo database:
- Researcher - Private Equity
Sector Research Specialists (3) with excellent analytical, research and writing skills required to work in Central London. Sector knowledge not essential.
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- FoIA & DPA Support Officer
A local authority is recruiting for a five month contract responsible for processing requests to acc ...
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
- 2 X Information Assistants
These roles offer an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain legal library and information experience with a leading firm.
Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
- Centre Manager
An international law firm in central London requires a Centre Manager for a four month role to start at the end of July with the possibility of being extended or going permanent.
Recruiter: TFPL
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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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. 55 includes:
- Thriving in Turbulent Times: Clare Hart, President of the Dow Jones Enterprise Media Group, talks exclusively to VIPs Tim Buckley Owen.
- Law and Beyond: Diane Raper provides an in-depth comparison of the Big Two legal information providers, LexisNexis Butterworths and Westlaw UK, while Jonathan Gordon-Till takes a close look at cchinformation.com, provider of access to full-text publications in tax and accountancy.
- Asia Rising: A host of news on developments in China, Japan and the rest of the Asia Pacific, from mobile data services in China to the blossoming Asia Pacific business information market.
- Security Data: VIP reports on alarming UK Home Office plans to collect phone, email and Internet data on a single massive database.
In the next VIP: We take a close look at the BBC News Monitoring Service and EIU World Data.
Purchase VIP issue no. 55 from the VIP website, or start your subscription now: http://web.vivavip.com/go/vip/55
NEW: Now publishing the VIP LiveWire
Commentary on the industry, by the VIP editorial team. Get its insight on trends, products, user needs and more.
Recent posts:
- <http://www.vivavip.com/go/w57904> Following the recent merger of DS, the market leader in UK public libraries and archives, and Axiell Library Group AB, the leading supplier of IT Systems and services to Nordic libraries, Nigel Pegg, Managing Director of DS, has taken on new responsibilities....
- <http://www.vivavip.com/go/w57741> Reprints Desk, Inc., and FIZ Karlsruhe have signed a cooperation agreement....
- <http://www.vivavip.com/go/w57174> Emerald Group Publishing Limited is delighted to announce the launch of Emerald Bookstore. This new facility allows visitors to browse through over 2,000 books by subject area and to order securely online....
Request a sample issue of VIP, or start a trial subscription today for only GBP 70 for three months. Download PDF order form for trial subscription at http://www.vivavip.com/sample.html
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| Highlights from ResourceShelf and DocuTicker
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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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Gold
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A look back at what FreePint covered at this time in previous years:
- FreePint No. 233, 12th July 2007. "Project Handbook Report and Tool Kit: Research and Scoping" and "Looking East: Chinese Research Sources"
- FreePint No. 209, 13th July 2006. "On the Verge of Revolution - Open-access Publishing" and "Impressions of SLA"
- FreePint No. 186, 14th July 2005. "Free Public Domain and Copyrighted e-Books Online" and "Knowledge Management Does Not Grow on Bonsai Trees"
- FreePint No. 163, 15th July 2004. "In the Groove at the Grove - A review of the Perfect Learning Conference" and "Usability - ignore it at your peril!"
- FreePint No. 140, 10th July 2003. "Copyright and the Internet: Myth and Reality" and "The Product Development Cycle"
- FreePint No. 116, 11th July 2002. "Content Management"
- FreePint No. 91, 5th July 2001. "D.I.Y. Site Design" and "Obtaining Grants"
- FreePint No. 66, 6th July 2000. "Panorama of Engineering Portals" and "Surfing the Sludge - Tips on Good Web Page Design"
- FreePint No. 42, 8th July 1999. "Electronic commerce" and "Plastics and Rubber Information on the Internet"
- FreePint No. 18, 9 July 1998. "Small is Beautiful: Being a Small Business on the Internet" and "Statistical Information on the Web"
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Forthcoming
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FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
[Provisional]
- Information Architecture conference coverage
- Copyright Summit conference coverage
- Determining 'Excellence': how one judge made the cut
- Phone Research
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:
William Hann (Managing Editor, FreePint), Robin Neidorf (General Manager, FreePint), Tim Buckley Owen, Sara Waddington (Senior Managing Editor, FreePint), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
Dow Jones Factiva, Scientific business of Thomson Reuters, 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/>
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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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