Consumer Resources

Our most-asked-for free consumer resources:

1. Consumer Reports

For online *free* access to complete articles, instead of using the Consumer Reports web site, use our subscription to the MasterFILE Complete database (you will need an SFPL library card number and a PIN if not using an in-house Library computer).

  1. Start from SFPL’s home page at sfpl.org
  2. Hover over the eLibrary link and select Articles and Databases.
  3. Click M to jump to the names of databases that begin with this letter.
  4. Select MasterFILE Complete.
  5. After logging in with your library card number and PIN, on the search page, click the Advanced Search link under the search box.
  6. In the Publication box (under the “Limit your results” section), type Consumer Reports.
  7. In the search box(es) at the top of the page, type a keyword(s) for the product or topic you are looking for, such as laptops.
  8. Tip: On the results page, it may help to click the Relevance Sort link and select Date Descending to get the most recent articles listed first.
  9. If you already know the date of the Consumer Reports issue you want, after Step # 6, select the month and type the year in the Published Date boxes.

(Another database that has Consumer Reports is InfoTrac OneFile, though not the most recent issues.)

You may also call a nearby public library to see if they have the print version of the Consumer Reports issue you are looking for.

2. Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook

This nonprofit resource has Bay Area ratings of local firms and services, including in-depth articles and advice about local auto repair shops, plumbers, veterinarians, banks, doctors, dentists, carpet cleaners, roofers, hospitals, and more.

For free access to the print version, call a nearby SFPL branch library to find out if an issue of Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook has a service or product category you want.

*Please note – This publication does not have an index, so staff will need to browse issues for your topic.

3. First Glimpse (online magazine)

"Each issue of First Glimpse is loaded with specific help in buying and using digital cameras, MP3 players, HDTVs, appliances, and more from brands you know and trust."

Print copies of First Glimpse are available at the Business, Science, and Technology Center desk.

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Other Resources

Of course, lots of consumer information is available on the Internet, both reliable and unreliable.
Since search engines don’t always help you find what you need, below is a selected list of online resources.

  • Local Resources
    • Michael Finney’s Consumer Blog
      Bay Area’s ABC Channel 7 News On Your Side advocate – file problems; site includes reports, tips, and scams.
    • Consumer Protection Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office
      Services include mediation of consumer complaints, community outreach, and consumer educational programs as well as civil litigation and criminal prosecution.
    • Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook -- see #2 above.
  • SFPL Databases with magazine and newspaper articles
    Search the Library's databases listed below to find a wide variety of free, full-text articles on consumer issues from thousands of magazines and newspapers. You will need an SFPL library card number and pin to access these if you are outside the Library or are using the Library’s wifi network.
    • EBSCOhost Magazines MasterFILE Premier
      Includes free access to current *Consumer Reports* articles, plus lots of other publications. Go to eLibrary-->Articles and Databases to access.
    • InfoTrac OneFile
      Includes Consumer Reports articles, though not the latest issues, plus many other publications.
    • Proquest Newspapers
      Full-text newspaper articles.
  • Web sites with Evaluations, Ratings, and Comparisons
    • Consumersearch
      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.
    • Consumer Reports
      Instead of paying to use their web site, see the section above for free online access.
    • Better Business Bureau
      Use the Check Out a Business or Charity search to find out if any complaints have been lodged with the Better Business Bureau against a business.
      Also try their Consumer page.
  • Consumer-generated Reviews

    A number of web sites focus on product and service evaluations written by consumers themselves. Examples are Viewpoints.com, Epinions.com, and the site most people are familiar with, Yelp. You will find many such sites by typing "consumer reviews" in a search engine.

    Of course, reviews and ratings by individuals on e-commerce sites such as Amazon.com can also be helpful.

  • 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, etc. An example of a specialized consumer web site is:

    Cnet
    Find ratings for all kinds of home electronics: computers, telephones, internet services, etc. Both professional reviews and customer reviews are available.

    About.com
    This web site, owned by the New York Times, specializes in using experts on particular topics to create web guides that include ratings and reviews. Try typing your topic with “about.com” in a search engine (such as Google) to find an About.com site with information and advice on specific consumer topics.
    Example.: Typing “computers about.com” in Google brought up an About.com guide on PC Hardware and Reviews.

  • Checking Professional Licenses

    California Department of Consumer Affairs
    Check to see if your contractor, dentist, acupuncturist, roof repairer, etc., has a license.

    Contractors State License Board (California)
    Check a contractor’s license and read publications about hiring contractors.

    American Medical Association
    A national directory of licensed physicians and medical personnel.

  • Filing Official 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.

    Bureau of Automotive Repair (California)
    File a complaint about an auto repair facility or smog check station.

    California Department of Consumer Affairs
    This site allows you to file complaints on businesses regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

    California Department of Corporations
    File complaints about securities brokers and agents, investment advisers, financial planners, and various mortgage, lending, and financial servicers (see web site for details).

    Federal Trade Commission
    Collects complaints about companies, business practices, identity theft, and episodes of violence in the media.

    Medical Board of California
    File a complaint about a physician or other allied professional who has broken the law.

    Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
    Report privacy abuses and request information on ways to protect privacy from this California nonprofit consumer advocacy group.

    Department of Transportation’s Airline Complaint Program
    DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division monitors compliance with and investigates violations of aviation economic, consumer protection, and civil rights requirements.

  • Miscellaneous Resources

    Consumer Action
    A San Francisco based organization that distributes free consumer education materials in several languages.

    Consumerist.com
    This “shoppers bite back” publication is by Consumer Media LLC, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. Includes “the latest scams, rip-offs, hot deals and freebies.”

    ConsumerWorld
    This site can be overwhelming, but it’s a rich source of consumer information, assembled by a consumer advocate.

    GoodGuide
    Search for green and safety ratings of products.

    Green America (formerly known as Coop America)
    A national organization that offers "practical steps for using your consumer and investor power for social change." Includes company ratings and a national "Green Pages" business directory.

    USA.gov for Consumers
    From the U.S. government -- official information, guides, and services for consumers.

    Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
    Practical Information on a number of consumer topics via the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

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