Research Blog : aid

Be A Smarter Consumer

SuDocQueen@evpl — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:39:00 GMT

That’s what it says on the front of the 2009 Consumer Action Handbook, and that’s what this book is trying to help us all become. Created by the GSA ( U.S. General Services Administration) Federal Citizen Information Center in conjunction with several other federal agencies and corporations, the book offers a multitude of useful information and resources for the in-the-know and the wanting-to-know consumer.

The book breaks into IV sections. The first gives detailed tips for consumers on subjects that range from buying a car or TV to choosing health insurance and a doctor to how to protect oneself against identity theft and how to handle wills and funerals. The subjects are too numerous to completely list here, but each topic is addressed fully. The second section offers advice for filing a complaint, how to use Dispute Resolution Programs, and covers Small Claims Court as well as contacts for reporting fraud and safety hazards. The third part lists additional sources for consumer information, and the fourth is a long list of direct contacts for assistance from the government and corporate America.

We have two circulating copies of this little gem as well as a reference copy here at Central. Or, since those of you reading this obviously have computer access, if you prefer you can get the same information from the www.ConsumerAction.gov website. If the website’s information seems too chaotic and you’d prefer the information displayed the same way it would be in the book, you can use the PDF from the website instead. One nice little extra on the website is the Consumer News section. It’s a box situated on the right hand side of the main page and offers links to events of consumer interest like “Kolcraft Recalls 1 Million Play Yards Due to Fall Hazard” or “Five Tax Facts About Summertime Child Care Expenses.”

Southwest Indiana College Access Network (SICAN)

wag.mado@evpl — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:57:00 GMT

Today's Evansville Courier announced new and needed assistance for all middle school through high school students and their parents. The Southwest Indiana College Access Network (SICAN) has launched a wonderful website that has all kinds of useful information for college bound students. This website is currently under construction, however it already has an overabundance of help available. There are links to Pell Grants and Federal Student Aid (FASFA), explanation of basic types of student loans, registration deadlines and dates for the ACT, the SAT and the PSAT, a scholarship search page, helpful tips of all kinds and much more. If you are beginning to think about college, take a few minutes to look at this site. It will surely help you navigate the college test and financial world.

Legal Aid

T-ref@evpl — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:50:00 GMT

In Legal Reference at Central Library we have a display featuring many brochures prepared by Indiana Legal Services, Inc. which provides representation and advice in family law, consumer law, senior law, housing issues and public benefits. We also have information about Legal Aid Society of Evansville, Inc. which provides free civil legal advice and representation for low income Vanderburgh County residents. Information about Talk To A Lawyer is also available. Call 434-4836 on the 1st Thursday of the month, lawyers answer general legal questions for free from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. There is also information about the Family Law Clinic for Self-Represented Litigants, call 434-4886 for an appointment. If you can afford to hire an attorney, see The Evansville Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service.