Services
We offer four areas of specialized service:
Research
Do you need answers?
Research is both a skill and an art. No matter the size of the project, we begin by phrasing your question in concrete terms. Then we formulate a research strategy by answering these questions:
- Where to look? Searching the open web is not always the most time-efficient or cost-effective way of finding information. We have access to hundreds of subscription databases.
- What sources to use? Many specialized sources exist — from subject-specific databases to subject experts. Using the right one saves time and time is money.
- How to retrieve the information? Applying the appropriate techniques for finding and extracting information from these sources is essential for efficiency.
- Where to search next? Experience and a good dose of intuition leads to the next source of information.
- Is the information trustworthy? Evaluating search results is mandatory for providing a sound basis for knowledge.
We gather and synthesize the data by arranging them in a logical fashion which we then analyze and summarize. Information becomes knowledge.
We deliver the results in a report according to a scheduled deadline and budget.
The next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.
Samuel Johnson – Poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer (1709-1784).
Research projects include
- bibliographies
- company profiles
- demographic data
- identify experts
- identify facts
- industry profiles
- literature searches
- market research and analysis
- niche market research
Sources of information include
- business, academic, professional, trade publications
- conference proceedings
- databases
- government documents
- newspapers & magazines
- research reports
- theses & dissertations
- websites
Fact checking
Do you need current and accurate information?
Facts, statistics and citations are the backbone of an article, speech, presentation, newsletter or book, but people often work from memory, make assumptions or refer to second-hand sources. Invest in verification of your content before you publish or speak to an audience.
We check your work – fact by fact – using reliable information sources and an objective eye by looking for
- authority
- accuracy
- objectivity
- timeliness
- comprehensive coverage
Knowledge is power.
Sir Francis Bacon – Philosopher, statesman, scientist, lawyer, jurist, author (1561 – 1626).
Get your facts straight today.
Internet search training
Do you want to improve your research skills?
Finding information is a time-consuming effort. We teach you the techniques to focus your searches and the methods to refine your search results. And, because the Internet teems with unreliable information, we show you how to evaluate your results.
We tailor workshops or presentations for your group, organization or business.
Sample topics include:
Research Techniques for Results: plan a search strategy; choose the appropriate tool for your search; use those tools to capacity; evaluate information for quality.
Intense Google: learn the many facets of Google.
Alternate Search Engines: know your options, their characteristics and how to benefit from them.
Delve into the Deep Web: tap the vast resources unavailable to search engines.
Go to the Source: use expert sites focussed on your specific subject, e.g. business, government resources, travel, health.
With so much information now online, it is exceptionally easy to simply dive in and drown.
Alfred Glossbrenner – Writer, editor, communications consultant.
Increase your productivity today.
Information monitoring
Do you need a constant flow of current information?
Much time and effort is spent in repetitive Internet searches on the same topics. There are online tools which automatically deliver carefully defined information from the Internet to your screen or email inbox.
Keep abreast of
- news & current events
- the content of new issues of journals, trade & industry publications
- new company or industry developments
- updated website content
- events calendars
We work with you to customize these tools to your needs.
One of the effects of living with electric information is that we live habitually in a state of information overload. There’s always more than you can cope with.
Marshall McLuhan – Educator, scholar and philosopher (1911 – 1980).
