Answers for Your Consumer Questions at the North Shore Library

This time of year we are faced with an incredible number of choices as we look for the perfect gift.  Do you sometimes find yourself wondering which brand is best?  Consumer Reports is often to go-to resource for finding up-to –date and well-tested information.

Print copies of the Consumer Reports magazine are available in the North Shore Library for both circulation and for reference.  Please ask at the Reference Desk so we can direct you to them.

Much of the information is now also available through the North Shore Library website as well.  You may find it at http://www.mcfls.org/northshorelibrary/.    Just follow these steps:

* Clink on “Badgerlink” which is listed under “Databases” on the right-hand side of the home page.

* Then click on “Database List” to the right of the word “EBSCO”.

*  You will now be on the EBSCOHost Page.  Find the blue menu strip at the top and click on “Publications”.

*  You have opened the Publications Page.  Under the blue line that says “Publications” is a search box.  Type in “Consumer Reports” and click on “Browse” button directly to the right.

*  The first entry you see should be “Consumer Reports” and you can click on the blue title to open the index.

*  To search for a topic, click on “Search within this Publication” on the right.

*  Another search box will appear with the words “JN Consumer Reports”.  After those words, type “and” with your search topic.  For example, if you want information on laptops, it should read “JN Consumer Reports and laptops”.  Then click the “Search” button.

*  You will be given several articles to look at.  Make sure the date is fairly current for the most up-to-date information.

* You may access the full text by clicking on “PDF Full Text”.  You will be given a print option on that page.

So before you make a BIG purchase, make sure you get all the facts you need for a WISE purchase.