February 2011
I'm not cheap, just cost-conscious: Online research for small budgets

Not everyone wants or needs to invest in premium information databases. It takes time, though, to sort through the junk and find what you need on the free web -- and we all know that time is money. In this issue of ResearchNOTES, I share some tips for finding quality online information, without spending a lot of time:

The Education Resource Information Center (ERIC), a database from the U.S. Department of Education, is not just for educators. The advanced search features will help you find articles – many in full text – covering psychology, sociology, group dynamics, training, and more.

For free images to use on your website and in presentations, try Flickr.com Advanced Search and limit your search to Creative Commons-licensed content. You can also set your preferences for usage rights on the Google Images advanced search page.

If you want to monitor trends or track a particular topic, use NetVibes as your customized information portal. Create a dashboard with RSS feeds and widgets for the latest articles, news, audio/video, and Twitter updates.

What are your tips for cost-effective online research?

Regards – Marcy

Marcy is the author of Research on Main Street: Using the Web to Find Local Business and Market Information
(Information Today, Inc., March 2011).

Marcy Phelps
Phelps Research
+1 303.239.0657                        Email: mphelps@phelpsresearch.com
Web: www.phelpsresearch.com     Blog:  www.MarcyPhelps.com