MeL Minute: Consumer Reports Comes to MeL.org

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From the MeL Team:
MeL team: Kathy Kosinski, Sonya Norris and Liz BreedBy now many have heard the good news that MeL carries Consumer Reports (part of MasterFILE complete). This well-loved resource is available on the eResources page under Popular eResources as well as in the alphabetical listing. You can also reach it by going into MasterFILE. Our subscription is the complete version of the magazine, includes the annual buying guide, and is not embargoed.

The experience available via MeL.org is NOT the subscription interface known as ConsumerReports.org that many Michigan libraries pay for, and are accustomed to. Our interface offers a basic, browse-only environment with a link to a searchable version of the complete magazine.  We do have plans to develop a more visual interface, with a built-in search feature, to improve the delivery of the Consumer Reports magazine content. Look for it in upcoming months.
For those who may not be familiar, the ConsumerReports.org subscription provides richer information, and searching functionality apart from the magazine (although the magazine information is included). It includes deeper information and research data on consumer products not found in the publication, instant access to the exclusive Cars Best Deals Plusdata for car buying and repair, the TV Screen Optimizer that shows the best screens for your type of viewing, the credit card comparison tool, and some video content.
We've fielded several questions from folks about Consumer Reports and our goal with this MeL Minute is twofold: 1.) to inform you of some of the differences between these eResources and 2.) to clarify what MeL.org has purchased for statewide access.
 We hope you're enjoying the new MeL! If you have questions or feedback you would like to share, please don't hesitate to drop us a line by using the form at mel.org/contact.

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