Research Tools

Consumer Reports (Ebsco)
The trusted source for ratings and recommendations of brand-name consumer products and services since 1936. Search back issues from January 1991 to the present (with a 3 month delay).
This resource is made available to you as part of BadgerLink, which is a project of the Department of Public Instruction’s Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning for the citizens of Wisconsin.  Funding is provided through the Public Service Commission Universal Service Fund.

Consumer Reports Buying Guide (Ebsco)
A product-test and consumer advisory publication. Publishes results of tests on products ranging from major purchases such as automobiles and appliances to everyday items such as food and cleaning products. Search back issues from January 1999 to the present.
This resource is made available to you as part of BadgerLink, which is a project of the Department of Public Instruction’s Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning for the citizens of Wisconsin.  Funding is provided through the Public Service Commission Universal Service Fund.

FDA Consumer (Ebsco)
Presents articles dealing with consumer interests and education. Search back issues from June 1990 to the present.
This resource is made available to you as part of BadgerLink, which is a project of the Department of Public Instruction’s Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning for the citizens of Wisconsin.  Funding is provided through the Public Service Commission Universal Service Fund.

Recommended Websites

AnnualCreditReport.com
Credit reports from three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Free reports to Wisconsinites starting March 1, 2005.

Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin
Look up a business before you decide whether you want to do business with it. Complaints can be filed against companies, and companies can respond to complaints. Look up information on charities as well.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Publications
Publications on child safety (toys, furniture), carbon monoxide, household products, poisons, electrical safety.

Epinions
Reviews of entertainment, boats, vehicles, computers and electronics, health and beauty products, games, home and garden products, restaurants and travel.

Federal Trade Commission's Facts for Consumers
The Federal Trade Commission tells what individuals can do to improve their credit scores, the reliability of the credit scoring system, what happens if you are denied credit, and how to file a complaint.

Guide for Penny Pinchers
Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton's site designed to be an easy place to go for families looking to stretch their hard-earned dollars on everything from gas to groceries to prescription drugs.

Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
Protect your Social Security number. Identity crime is one of the fast growing crimes in America. Here's everything you need to know.

Recalls.gov
Your online resource for recalls on consumer products, motor vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics and environmental products. View recent recalls, search for a particular recall, or sign up to receive e-mails when new recalls are issued.

Wisconsin Consumer Guide to Health Care
This site provides information related to Wisconsin's managed health care plans and their performance in providing high-quality care and customer service to their members.

Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Wisconsin government resource for starting and operating a business in Wisconsin.

Related Catalog Searches

- Consumer Credit
- Consumer Education
- Consumer Protection

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