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Editorial
By William Hann and Robin Neidorf
If you want to make the gods laugh, make a
plan. So says the wisdom of the ages.
In the last issue of FreePint, we emphasised the
importance of having a plan. But plans often run afoul of
circumstance. What happens when a new opportunity arises, a resource
dries up, a competitor suddenly makes a leap forward... or backward?
Where's the beautiful certainty of planning then?
The two latest FUMSI articles highlighted in
this issue of FreePint offer practical perspectives on flexible and
adaptable planning. It has to do with what Dame Lynne Brindley called
'the beta
mindset' in the interview we published earlier this year. Rather
than planning ourselves to death, we have to be as comfortable as
possible with experimentation and adapting as we go.
Information work has changed enormously, offering great opportunities
for information workers to create their own career paths. Some feel
that there are fewer traditional information roles out there (NB: the
vacancies listed on Jinfo continue
to increase in numbers!), but the rise in alternatives is
unmistakeable. Rachel Singer Gordon's article on alternative career
paths provides a framework for learning about and evaluating the
options, some of which did not even exist when you first entered an
information training programme.
Helen Day shares a case study of her work with BT to
experiment with and incorporate Web 2.0 technologies into BT's
intranet and knowledge management programmes. She writes: 'Although
many managers and organisations are concerned about such tools in the
corporate environment, BT have a very positive attitude to trying
these newer technologies, often testing them through small,
lightweight "beta" style implementations and letting the users drive
the development and decision process.' The world of corporate wikis,
blogs and live chats with the CEO is still very new and wasn't part of
many organisations' planning process even 5 years ago. A too-rigid
plan would prevent an organisation from this sort of experimentation,
at the cost of innovation.
A world that always operated according to plan would
probably be pretty boring to live in. Still, it's hard to let go of
the sense of control that planning gives us and adopt that beta
mindset. Rachel writes, 'Library folks tend to have difficulty with
ambiguity; our innate desire to organise and categorise can keep us
from recognising the ways in which our field is changing and
expanding.' Expansion is both exciting and risky; your plan helps you
manage the risk, but it's your flexibility that enables you capture
the excitement.
William Hann, Publisher Robin Neidorf, General
Manager Free Pint Limited
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited
(R) 1997-2008
Look out for Issue 3 where we examine alternative
search engines, new career paths for information pros, RSS feed
management and Web 2.0 content for intranets.
Economic Forecasts and Chinese Company Information
in VIP
<
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/> - Everybody's PC that
has Windows is pre-installed with Internet Explorer. You might try
changing your web browser to Firefox because it's faster, more secure
and has tabbed browsing by default (allowing you to keep lots of
websites open at the same time without having to open IE everytime).
Firefox also has lots of free plug-ins that expand its capabilities
(e.g. ad and pop-up blockers)
<
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm> - The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been making the curriculum
for all of its courses available on the Internet. That's free lecture
notes, exams, textbook recommendations and even the occasional video
from more than 1800 courses as taught by one of the most prestigious
US universities.
<
http://www.digitaldutch.com/unitconverter> - converts almost
any unit of measurement to another. Even if you want to measure
something really obscure, such as how many parsecs there are in a
mile.
<
http://www.huffingtonpost.com> - For political and gossip
junkies. A collection of blogs and links to other (predominantly US)
news outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post. Its
main appeal is that it manages to get blogs from people who don't (or
shouldn't) have the time to maintain their own blogs to opine on the
hot topics of the day - i.e. US senators, presidential candidates. It
also gets good writers to blog for them, presumably, for free.
<
http://www.marketmanila.com>. A plug for Filipino cuisine - the
anonymous MarketMan writes very well about food, takes excellent
photos, has the occasional rant and seems to have absolutely no money-
making agenda. There aren't any ads in the site, no plugs for his own
cookbook or restaurant (he doesn't have any) and he refuses to take
money from readers based abroad for the charities which he runs in the
Philippines.
Gia Marie Gorbold is a journalist and magazine editor
and has edited a diverse range of titles from computers to industrial
production.
FUMSI Regional Research Reports will help research
projects get off to the right start, by highlighting quality sources
-- free and paid -- for research in key regions.
Read more and purchase online. 50% discount for FUMSI
subscribers.
Widgets: Internet Sushi for the Web 2.0 Crowd
Webcast on 13th March, 2008 at 4.00pm GMT
Join Thomas Dopko, Dow Jones Sr. Content Developer,
Media Designer and Global Technical Trainer for a guided tour of many
practical uses for the widget in current technological playgrounds and
work environments and be ready to dazzle with your new widgetry know-
how.
The FreePint Bar is generously sponsored by Dow Jones
Factiva
Snoozing power stations and the
popularity of meat snacks are just two of the more lively discussions
at the FreePint Bar. You can see summaries of a few highlights below,
but read the full threads at <http://www.freepint.com/bar/>.
Do power stations dream of electric sheep? That's what one Bar
member may discover in a project that aims to capture knowledge of
power stations that are being 'hybernated' for decades. Read more on
this interesting thread <http://www.freepint.com/go/b262724
>.
You Most people find it fairly easy to track revisions and changes
in Microsoft Word documents and other applications, but that doesn't
mean everyone knows how to follow a standard for the practice. One
FreePinter is wondering if there's a way to properly identify meanings
of redlines and bluelines. One suggestion: ISO 15489. If you have
ideas, share them at <
http://www.freepint.com/go/b261504>.
Finding the market size and share for classified directory
advertising services seems like a fairly straightforward task.
However, not only has one 'Pinter's search for that information ended
up in dead ends, it's simultaneously sparked an active discussion on
the Bar <
http://www.freepint.com/go/b258428>.
Beef jerky, pork rinds and long-life sausages are widely enjoyed,
but by just how many? Someone on the Bar is looking for good-quality
meat snack reports for free, possibly by Mintel. Ideas <http://www.freepint.com/go/b263492
>?
You might be from England, but that might not be an
internationally recognised nationality. You might be officially
British. A Barista is seeking a comprehensive list of these
nationalities she can potentially use as the basis for a pick-list.
What's the definitive list <http://www.freepint.com/go/b261073
>?
Sign up for the twice-weekly Bar Digest at <
http://www.freepint.com/subs/>.
Monique Cuvelier has been the editor of the FreePint
Newsletter and now serves as the contributing editor for FUMSI's Share
practice area. She has edited, launched and written for many
magazines, newspapers and websites in the US and UK. Learn more about
her at <
http://www.onopoly.com/support/team/>.
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
>.
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:
The buzz on Web 2.0 applications in the workplace is
nearly deafening, but how are companies really putting all that user
generated content to work? Helen Day gives a view of how BT uses
discussion forums, blogs, RSS feeds and wikis of Web 2.0 on their
corporate intranet.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'BT has a very positive attitude to
trying these newer technologies, often testing them through small,
lightweight 'beta' style implementations and letting the users drive
the development and decision process'
The ever-changing landscape of information management
means that librarians have career options that they may never have
anticipated. Rachel Singer Gordon provides a helpful approach for
evaluating non-traditional career opportunities and staying relevant
in existing positions.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'Many people do choose librarianship
with the feeling that this profession feeds something in their soul,
that it allows them to make a difference in the world. This makes the
decision to leave the field even more wrenching, and more complicated
than simply switching one job for another.'
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:
Web Development Executive In a world class London
College you will play an integral role in the continued development
and day to day maintenance of the website. Recruiter: TFPL
Country: United Kingdom <http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8673>
Knowledge Management Information Officer 6 month role
in Nottingham, enquiry work and acquiring resources for an energy
company. Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services
Limited Country: United Kingdom <http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8686
>
Know How Manager Excellent opportunity for a Know How
Manager to join a Sheffield based legal team on a permanent full
time basis. Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment Country:
United Kingdom <
http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8689>
Senior Researchers (2) - Private Equity area Relevant
Financial Services sector experience and business gravitas to work
closely with consultants on assignments. Recruiter: Glen
Recruitment Country: United Kingdom <http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8667
>
[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:
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
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
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.
Featured in the February issue:
Researching China companies with QIN from Bureau
van Dijk Electronic Publishing
Financial Services Indicators and Forecasts, from BvDEP and
Economist Intelligence Unit
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.
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.
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:
Forbes is just out
with ITS annual ranking of billionaires from around the globe. Review
the Complete List and sort by:
Rank
Name
Citizenship
Age
Worth
Residence
Of special note this year is that the Founder of
Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, made the list with a worth estimated at
$1.5 billion. He is ranked at #785 overall. Zuckerberg is also listed
as the youngest billionaire at the age of 23.
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:
New reports
on business spending on technology infrastructure, draft electronic
authentication guidelines, electronic records preservation and
identity management systems: <http://www.docuticker.com/?cat=8
>
News from the GAO, CEO pay and the mortgage crisis and pension
compliance procedures are highlighted in this section: <http://www.docuticker.com/?cat=9
>
A report from the Bureau of Labour Statistics on The Employment
Situation - January 2008 and the US Government Budget for FY09:
<
http://www.docuticker.com/?cat=66>
These events are hosted by our partner organisations
and/or advertisers:
"Search Engine Meeting" 28 - 29 April 2008
This annual meeting, now in its 13th year, provides a forum and
point- of-reference for all those interested in the domain of
Search and Retrieval. The Meeting draws together those with a
professional interest in search engines - such as search engine
designers and developers - and those interested in applying search
engines in their own professional environments. Search is at the
heart of information retrieval; and the Search Engine Meeting
provides an annual point of reference as to what is happening in
this fast-moving and exciting field.
"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.
A look
back at what FreePint covered at this time in previous years:
FreePint No. 225, 8th March 2007. "All tied up? Escaping the
Tangle of Red Tape" and "Business Information Trends: The Times They
Are a-Changin'" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/080307.htm>
FreePint No. 178, 10th March 2005. "Health Information Sources for
Non-Health Professionals" and "Tracking Youth Trends On The Web"
<
http://www.freepint.com/issues/100305.htm>
FreePint No. 132, 6th March 2003. "And the winner is ... Our
experience with selecting a CMS" and "Information Literacy in a
Corporate Environment" <
http://www.freepint.com/issues/060303.htm>
FreePint No. 107, 7th March 2002. "Fossicking for Information ...
or ... What to do on Sixpence" and "The Death of the
Intranet. Long Live the Corporate Portal Quantifying ROI"
<
http://www.freepint.com/issues/070302.htm>
FreePint No. 82, 1st March 2001. "Electric Power Information
Sources on the Web" and "Putting your money where your mouse is -
online charities" <
http://www.freepint.com/issues/010301.htm>
Gia Marie Gorbold, Helen Day, Rachel Singer Gordon,
Sara Waddington (Senior Managing Editor, FUMSI), Monique Cuvelier
(Contributing Editor: Share), Robin Neidorf (General Manager,
FreePint), Shirl Kennedy (Senior Editor, ResourceShelf and
DocuTicker), Pam Foster (Editor, VIP), 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.
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
Special Offer: The FreePint Volume: Business News Sources brings together recent high-value reports to help you better understand the options available, how they compare and how other organisations evaluate them. These publications normally sell for £39 or more each. Get the entire collection for only £97.50 (single site).
Print-friendly (PDF) version
If you want to make the gods laugh, make a
plan. So says the wisdom of the ages. 
The two latest FUMSI articles highlighted in
this issue of FreePint offer practical perspectives on flexible and
adaptable planning. It has to do with what Dame Lynne Brindley called
'
Information work has changed enormously, offering great opportunities
for information workers to create their own career paths. Some feel
that there are fewer traditional information roles out there (NB: the
vacancies listed on 
Featured in the February issue: 
United Kingdom:
United States:
Visit the FreePint Shop!
