Subject Guide for Consumer Resources
Databases
Reviews and ratings of local service providers and products including automobiles, health care, home care, pets, stores, and much more.In-Library use only.
The last 4 years of reports from Consumer Reports including autos. Includes reports not found in the printed magazine.
A comprehensive resource for identifying, researching and pricing art, antiques and collectibles.
Weblinks
Charities
Charity evaluation reports on nationally soliciting charitable organizations. From the National Charities Information Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus' Foundation and its Philanthropic Advisory Service.
Formerly in print, Charity Navigator is an independent source that evaluates the financial health of over 5400 American charities.
Using Internal Revenue Service data, GuideStar provides online reports detailing the finances and programs of more than 600,000 charities.
Highlight is a searchable database of IRS information on nonprofits. Good place to find smaller organizations.
Offers information on over 1,000,000 charities and not for profit organizations.
Clearinghouse for information on U.S. philanthropy.
e-readers
Reviews of most eReader Available including user reviews, full product descriptions And more...
General Consumer Resources
The only authorized source to obtain a free annual credit report from the three credit reporting companies.
Check out a business or charity, file a complaint, or find a BBB-accredited business.
Product and softwre reviews for computers, cell phones, tablets, tvs and more.
CPSC is "charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products". Find recalls and get safety information.
Includes product reviews and lists of "top" products in categories such as electronics, sports, office, kitchen, health and automotive.
Links to more than 1500 consumer sites for shopping, bargins, product reviews, and financial information.
Online service of the Office of Consumer and Business Education of the Bureau of Consumer Protection offers publications and an online form for filing complaints.
Repository for information on privacy-related issues including tips on preventing and recovering from identity theft.
Real Estate and Relocation
Real estate listings and community profiles for the Chicago area.
Experiment with the Salary Calculator, Lifestyle Optimizer, Moving Calculator, Relocation Wizard, and Relocation Crime Lab.
Extensive links to real estate services in the United States and abroad.
From Prairie State Legal Services. Helpful information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Illinois.
A home valuation tool that will provide an estimated value of any house.