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Editorial
By Robin Neidorf
December: It always starts with the intensity that is Online
Information, then moves into quieter, more reflective days as we finish up
projects for the year and prepare for a bit of down-time over the holidays.
Our special report is just one way to maximise the value of
an event like Online Information. Get even more useful tips on
building value before, during and after events from contributor Heidi
Blanton. Be sure to share this article with everyone in your organisation -
there are great ideas to support anyone's professional development and
networking.
As the workload settles down slightly in the second half of
December, I'm making time for professional reading that may not be
mission-critical but nonetheless provides food for thought. Liz Moffat's intriguing
case study on bringing
library services to a prison environment fits that description. Her success
story may spark ideas for you in securing grants, bringing services to specific
audiences, partnerships and measuring outcomes.
December is also the time when most of us are reviewing our
budgets for the coming year, making it an ideal opportunity to take a closer
look at FreePint's premium resources. Do you make or support purchase decisions
for information resources? Request
samples of VIP, or start
a trial for only £80 for three months. Are you responsible for supporting skill development among knowledge workers but facing a reduced or eliminated training budget? FUMSI provides a flexible, value-conscious resource to help everyone
Find, Use, Manage and Share Information... and a three-month trial starts at
only £39.
2009 has been a challenging year, but also an exciting one. Quality
information and skilled knowledge workers are at the core of sustainable
business. We aim to support both, in 2010 and beyond.
And favourite RSS feed? LOL Cats: not very professional but it gives me a big chuckle everyday.
Catherine Voutier is an Australian medical librarian working for the Centre for Clinical Effectiveness at Southern Health, the largest health system in Victoria. She is the current Chair-Elect for the Resources Interest Group of HTAi (the international association for users and developers of health technology assessments) and she is involved with many local and international activities in medical libraryland. Reading, visiting art galleries, eating/cooking different foods and card making are amongst her hobbies.
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?).
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 sponsors make this resource available at no cost. Current sponsors include:
There's no better place to make connections with other info pros than the FreePint Bar, where you can ask and answer questions, share ideas, and pursue your own wisdom.
A number of new queries popped up on the Bar this week...
Bar users are asking questions relating to corporate libraries and information centres. One visitor asks for help identifying the size of the market for technical libraries (http://www.freepint.com/go/b521264) and the number of technical libraries that have closed in the recent past (http://www.freepint.com/go/b521265).
Another Bar visitor seeks a 'resource scorecard', to quantify the value of information resources to users (http://www.freepint.com/go/b522173). If you have a tool you use, can you share what you've learned?
In a similar vein, a Bar user is asking for 'an easy way' to compare online legal resources to find the best fit. VIP's 2008 comparative review of Westlaw and LexisNexis might help (http://web.vivavip.com/go/shop/magazine/55), but FreePint members surely have additional ideas; share there here: http://www.freepint.com/go/b521294
Market size is always important in scoping opportunities. One Bar visitor seeks market size for antiques in the UK (http://www.freepint.com/go/b519688). Can you help?
If a standard job is not your cup of tea, perhaps you have insight that can help two other Bar users: One is looking for statistics on self-employment in the UK (http://www.freepint.com/go/b521707);
another is looking to track down lists of franchise owners (http://www.freepint.com/go/b521309). Suggestions?
[FUMSI] Magazine 24: Industries and Institutions
In this issue: FIND: When researching the automotive industry, it helps to have an experienced hand at the wheel of the research process. Kathleen Rainwater provides a wealth of tips and sources for understanding the specifics of automotive industry research...
[RS] Resource of the Week: A Never Ending 'Virtual Stream' of Digitized Text
When Chris Sherman and I were writing and then giving book talks and presentations about The Invisible Web, we said John Mark Ockerbloom's Online Books Page was an essential resource for anyone interested in digitized, full text books....
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:
The information gathering and sharing opportunities inherent in conference or symposium participation don't just take place during the show. Heidi Blanton provides a useful checklist of steps and resources for maximizing the benefit of conference participation.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'The best way to get the most out of an upcoming event is to do some homework before you attend. The networking process can start well before the conference, even as much as six months. If you are closely involved with a particular event, I even recommend monitoring your networks for search terms year round.'
When it comes to library users, few are more disadvantaged than prisoners, yet they may stand to benefit the most from the gift of library access. Liz Moffat describes her successes and challenges as Community Outreach Librarian with Cornton Vale Women's Prison.
WHAT'S INSIDE: 'There are many in the prison who are intimidated by or do not have the patience or concentration to read larger books. Some of the girls have now finished their first ever book. Ability to read is not necessary although it was found that the girls were reading in everyday life and never realised that they could read.'
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/
Today's knowledge economy is powered by information but operates on Internet time. Knowledge workers have access to more information than ever, but less time for decision making.
Dow Jones Enterprise Media Group combines respected reporting with innovative technologies to drive additional value from news, data and information.
For our customers, this means increased productivity and competitive advantage, all of which lead to a more intelligent - and profitable enterprise.
News Analysis Impacting Your Content Resources in VIP 72
Social networking activity may be costing companies precious staff time at the moment, but the era of real applications that they can't afford to ignore is approaching fast. Astute information professionals can capitalise on this - but only if they abandon their traditional focus on documents and files.
The newspaper industry made a mistake all those years ago by offering its content free on the web, hoping that advertising would make it pay. Now that the advertising industry is in the doldrums, the consensus among expert panellists at an SLA event on the future of news is that this strategy is no longer feasible.
Describing itself 'YouTube for Business', Tradeclips is a full-service video, audio, text and picture sharing site designed mainly for publishers, journalists and public relations companies. It's a response to the rapid growth of digital media content in the enterprise and professional market - but managing this content is increasingly causing businesses logistical and financial headaches.
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.
VIP Wires Weekly is generously sponsored by AMI Software.
On VIP LiveWire recently...
Informa - publisher of Lloyd's List and owner of Datamonitor - is considering making a bid for the academic publisher Springer Science + Business Media. Following press speculation, Informa has issued a statement confirming that it is discussing a possible takeover with the shareholders and is currently carrying out due diligence.
Read the full story at: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e27317
By a significant majority, members of the Special Libraries Association have voted not to change the organisation's name. It's not the first time that a major information organisation has gone through a name change process in recent years - and the 'L' word remains remarkably resilient.
Read the full story at: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e27456
Even the traditionally resilient legal sector may finally be feeling the pain, according to a new report commissioned by LexisNexis. Its State of the Legal Industry Survey finds the United States legal profession deeply divided on their industry's future - but the implications for the information industry may go even further.
Read the full story at: http://www.vivavip.com/go/e27430
Always feel free to comment on any item on the LiveWire, and if you do not yet have a free subscription to the VIP Wires Weekly, you can sign up now »
The Association for Learning Technology (ALT) today published its response to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)'s proposals for the new Research Excellence Framework (REF), urging HEFCE to adopt clear guidelines to ensure that interdisciplinary fields such as learning technology are properly judged in the REF... Read the full Press Release at: http://www.vivavip.com/go/w83434
Reprints Desk, Inc., and QUOSA, Inc., today announced that Cubist Pharmaceuticals has become the first shared customer to activate integration between Reprints Desk's STM Document Delivery service with QUOSA's Virtual Library... Read the full Press Release at: http://www.vivavip.com/go/w83392
Technology and business solutions specialist for UK public libraries and archives, Axiell, announced a new partnership with Bibliotheca RFID Library Systems at the fifth annual RFID in Libraries Conference in London this year... Read the full Press Release at: http://www.vivavip.com/go/w83388
Groundbreaking project collecting information from users on how you interact with content at work. Complete the survey and receive a copy of the results for benchmarking purposes.
You'll learn about:
Attitudes and behaviours regarding copyrighted content
Needs for awareness, training and resources
Tips and suggestions for better workflow relating to copyright
10 minutes of your time provides you with valuable insight and contributes to the knowledge of the industry.
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:
eBook Sales Representative
Midlands based book sales role, with travel around Europe; ideal first role if you're keen to learn.
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
Records Officer
A six month opportunity for a Records Officer based in Leeds...
Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
Knowledge Management Consultant
A niche market consulting firm are looking for experienced Knowledge Management professionals to wor...
Recruiter: TFPL Intelligent Resources
Country: United Kingdom
Knowledge Director - Social Computing
Newly created permanent director level vacancy to be based in London and work for a major division of a dynamic and successful global organisation....
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
Jinfo - the best place for information-related job vacancies and professional development opportunities.
RECRUITING? - Advertise a vacancy for just £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>.
DocuTicker publishes citations of full-text, free reports available on the web. Visit daily for new postings, or subscribe to the weekly DocuTicker Newsletter.
A look back at what the FreePint Newsletter covered at this time in previous years:
FreePint No. 267, 18th December 2008 "Free Data: Turning it into Something Worth Paying For" and "Designing for the Social: Avoiding Anti-Social Networks"
FreePint No. 243, 20th December 2007 "FreePint Reports from this Year's Online Information Exhibition at Olympia" and "1997-2007: A Decade of Find, Use, Manage, Share"
FreePint No. 220, 21st December 2006 "Convergence Counselling: Integration of IT Departments and Libraries" and "2001 to 2006: Five Years of Information Architecture"
FreePint No. 150, 11th December 2003 "Taking a look at media information professionals and asking: what makes a successful conference?" and "From Fortune 500 to Handelsblatt's European 500 two years on - a final look at some useful European and International Rankings"
Robin Neidorf (General Manager), Catherine Voutier, Heidi Blanton, Liz Moffat, Nancy Davis Kho (Copyeditor), William Hann (Publisher), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
AMI Software, Dow Jones, Marketresearch.com, Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited, Glen Recruitment, TFPL Intelligent Resources Recruitment, Weekes Gray Recruitment.
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your subscriptions or password, visit <http://www.freepint.com/subs/> or forward this email, with your request and registered email address, to <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.
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December: It always starts with the intensity that is Online
Information, then moves into quieter, more reflective days as we finish up
projects for the year and prepare for a bit of down-time over the holidays.
Our special report is just one way to maximise the value of
an event like Online Information. Get even more 
By Heidi Blanton
By Liz Moffat
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