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Consumer Information
Identity theft, product ratings, and smart shopping are topics of interest these days. We all know someone who has had a wallet snatched or their identity stolen online. We may need help in purchasing the right product, the one that will last the longest, or that has the exact features we need. Or, we might just want to look at new gadgets on the market. Whatever information we require, the professional reference librarians at the Main Library can guide you in your search. Please contact us by telephone at (330) 458-2754 or email your request to Ask a Reference Librarian. The following tools will help if you would like to begin looking on your own.
| Magazines | Books |
The most current information available is from websites. Here are just a few reputable ones for your use. Be careful; some of these may charge a fee.
AnnualCreditReport.com will give you a free annual credit report from the three major credit companies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. You may request your information online, by telephone, or by mail. This will help any consumer, especially victims of identity theft. https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
USA.gov Consumer Safety leads you to information on computer safety, and tips for avoiding identity theft and dodging pesky telemarketers. There are also tips for saving money at the gasoline pump (fuel economy for cars), information on product recalls, and foreclosure resources. But these are only a few features .... see for yourself. http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Consumer_Safety.shtml
ConsumerReports.org rates and reviews products to inform and protect the consumer.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm
ConsumerSearch provides reviews on products and analyzes the reviews. This is a good overall site that complements ConsumerReports.org. http://www.consumersearch.com
Edmunds.com gives prices, reviews, and comparisons of new and used cars. You may also sell your car or get a quote on one you would like to buy. Edmunds reviews future vehicles, something that the NADA and Kelley Blue Book websites do not do. http://www.edmunds.com
Epinions.com has reviews of products that are written by people who have actually used them. http://www.epinions.com
Federal Trade Commission is a good website for consumer protection, consumer complaints, identity theft, and general economic issues that touch every consumer. http://www.ftc.gov
Howstuffworks.com: ConsumerGuide has three divisions: products, automotive, and travel. Users not only learn of new products, but also how they work. There are reviews, price guides, and advice. The automotive section gives prices, reviews, and road-test evaluations. The travel section rates hotels, restaurants, and spas. There are also guides to cities and their tourist attractions.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guide.htm
Kelley Blue Book rates and reviews new and used cars. You can get the value of a car, motorcycle, snowmobile, or personal watercraft. On this site you can obtain a dealer quote for a vehicle or list your car for sale. You can find a list of the most researched cars to see what others are considering, a list of certified pre-owned cars, and so much more. http://www.kbb.com
Richard Cordray Ohio Attorney General State of Ohio website gives clear information to the Ohio consumer on Ohio Lemon Laws, identity theft, and actions one should take when trouble hits. There is a consumer hotline and an Online Public Inspection File. http://www.ag.state.oh.us
NADA Guides, like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, offer prices and reviews for new and used cars, automobile comparisons, and safety features. There is also a list of pre-owned cars, a link to sell your car, and many others. http://www.nadaguides.com
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel will help if you are having trouble with your utilities. They are your advocates. http://www.pickocc.org
Ohio Department of Insurance has a consumer hot line and a place for filing a complaint. There is help for those on Medicare and lists of sample insurance company premiums and ratios. www.ohioinsurance.gov
Ohio Job and Family Services: Child Care allows you to search for child care services by location, type, and quality of the facility. Job seekers and employers may also find plenty of information here. http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/childcare.stm
Recalls.gov alerts the public to unsafe, defective products. The site is divided into types of products and there is a section for newer recalls. You may also use this site to report a dangerous product. http://www.recalls.gov
Consumer Reports rates and reviews a variety of products.
Lucky is a magazine for shoppers, especially women. There are articles on new products and getting the most for your money.
Money is a gold mine for investment strategies and information on retirement, credit, education, real estate, etc.
Books
As Good As New: a Consumer's Guide to Dental Implants. by Charles A. Babbush. 2007. This is an illustrated guide describing the step-by-step process of implant surgery for the consumer. NFC
Consumer Drug Reference. 2008. Both prescription and non-prescription drugs are illustrated and explained in this easy to use guide. NFC
Con$umed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantalize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole. by Benjamin Barber. 2007. Barber writes of the defects of consumerism and how it harms our democratic way of life. NFC
Consumer Reports: Buying Guide rates a wide variety of products in an easy to read format. There is an index that will guide you to articles in Consumer Reports magazine on specific items.
Consumer Sourcebook. This directory will guide you to local, state, and federal agencies that will help you with credit, insurance, automobiles, food and drug matters, employment, and much more.
Energy Independence: Your Everyday Guide to Reducing Fuel Consumption. by Christine Woodside. 2009. If you want to decrease the amount of energy you use in your home and in your car, you will want to read this new book by Christine Woodside.
N. A. D. A. guides available for your use are: the Marine Appraisal Guide; the Motorcycle, Snowmobile, ATV, Personal Watercraft Appraisal Guide; the Official Older Used Car Guide; the Official Used Car Guide; and the Recreation Vehicle Appraisal Guide .
Used Car Buying Guide gives reliability ratings, prices, and crash-test results. There is also information on the best and worst used cars.
The following books are in our regular collection. You may borrow these for two weeks, or they may be reserved through the library's online catalog.
Ask the Pharmacist: Drug and Health Information for the Consumer explains proper medication uses, details on drugs prescribed for different diseases, information on herbal medication errors, and general healthcare information.
Last updated 01/2010
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