| Online resources, such as Web sites and the Library's subscription databases,
are a great source for consumer information. |
Databases
Search the Library's subscription databases listed below to find full text articles
from hundreds of magazines and newspapers.
InfoTrac OneFile
This database indexes more than 4,900 full text magazine titles.
Proquest
Newspapers
Indexes hundreds of newspapers full text.
Evaluations, Ratings, and Comparisons
Consumersearch
This is a consumer Web site that pulls together product
and service reviews from a wide range of reputable sources.
If you only go to one
site, this is a good choice.
Better Business Bureau
The complaint records search function on this Web site allows you to see if
any service complaints have been lodged with the Better Business Bureau against
a business.
Consumer Checkbook
This site is useful as an online index to our print copies of Consumer Checkbook. Choose a service or product category, select the “guest” option, and select San Francisco. You’ll then be able to click on various topics to locate which issue of “Bay Area Consumer Checkbook” carries an article on it.
Consumer Reports
Use this site to look up articles in Consumer Reports. You can purchase the articles
online or look at them for free in our print collection. There is also a lot
of free content on this web site. Consumer Reports is available online through
InfoTrac and a few other of the Library's subscription databases, but the most
recent issues (the last year) aren’t included.
Consumer-generated Reviews
There are a number of websites that focus on product and service evaluations generated by consumers themselves. Examples are Epinions.com or Viewpoints.com. You will find many such sites by searching "consumer reviews" in a search engine.
Specialized evaluations, ratings, and comparisons
Some products may be covered best in publications or Web sites specific to one
area, such as automotive, audio/video, sports, electronics, etcetera. An example
of a specialized consumer web site is:
Cnet
Find ratings for all kinds of home electronics: computers, telephones, internet services, etcetera. You can see both professional reviews and customer reviews.
Checking on Professional Licenses
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Check to see if your contractor, dentist, acupuncturist, roof repairer, etcetera has a license
American Medical Association
A national directory of licensed physicians and medical personnel.
Filing Complaints & Reporting Problems
Better Business Bureau
Under the “File a complaint” section, you can find out how to lodge certain kinds of complaints against businesses.
California Department of Consumer Affairs
This site allows you to file complaints on businesses regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Miscellaneous Resources
Consumer Action
A San Francisco based organization that distributes free consumer education materials in several languages.
ConsumerWorld
This site can be overwhelming, but it’s a rich source of consumer information, assembled by a consumer advocate.
Coop America
A national organization that offers "practical steps for using your consumer and investor power for social change." Includes company ratings and an online "Green Pages" business directory.
FirstGov for Consumers
This is a great portal for all types of consumer information from the federal government.
|
