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Subscription Databases and E-books
Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook (in-library use only)
Consumers’ CHECKBOOK/The Center for the Study of Services is an independent, nonprofit consumer organization founded in 1974 with the help of funding from the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. Its purpose is to provide consumers information to help them get high quality services and products at the best possible prices. It is supported entirely by subscription payments and donations from individual consumers who subscribe to our magazines, and by fees for its survey and information services and books.

Websites Selected by Librarians
Consumer.gov
Links to federal consumer information covering categories such as food, health, product safety, money, transportation, and identity theft..
Consumer Action
Supported by a national non-profit consumer education and advocacy organization, this website offers a variety of resources including a searchable consumer services guide, tools for resolving consumer complaints, non-legal advice hotline and educational publications. Multilingual materials and services are featured.
Consumer World
A comprehensive database of over 2000 useful consumer resources on the Web. This site offers information concerning consumer banking, credit card and mortgage rates, Standard & Poor's and others' Insurance Company Ratings, hospital ratings, consumer agencies, and both Kelley and Edmund car price guides.
Consumer Product Reviews
A selection of sites giving product reviews and ratings.
Vehicle Purchasing Information
This link provides information on a number of issues related to vehicle purchasing and leasing, including crash test data, car prices, and several buyer's guides.
Better Business Bureau
Provides the latest news and alerts, business reports, find a local BBB on file or file a complaint online. In addition they have Charity Reports called the Philanthropic Advisory Service (PAS).
Non-Profit and Charity Information
A list of sites evaluating charitable and non-profit organizations compiled by a Santa Clara County librarian.
Consumers - California Attorney General
Information on how to file complaints against businesses, government agencies and officials, corporations, law enforcement officers, and how to deal with discrimination-related problems. Also includes an on-line complaint form.
California Contractors
Information from the Contractors State License Board about contractor licensing, hiring contractors, the construction process, filing construction complaints, and other matters relating to construction.
Identity Theft
This website of the Federal Trade Commission provides information on the crime of identity theft and steps to take to minimize risk and damage if a problem occurs. Information is available in English and Spanish.
FTC Consumer Education
Find advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs as well as tips on other consumer topics in this section of the Federal Trade Commission's website. Also offers a link to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized online source for requesting a free credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies. Information is available in English and Spanish
Energy Efficiency
A consumer's guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy from the U.S. Department of Energy. Explore options for saving energy and using renewable energy at home, at work, and while driving.
Santa Clara County Assessor's Office
Provides the assessed values of property in Santa Clara County by address or parcel number.
ForeclosureInfoCA.org
Provides information on foreclosures in California available in English and Spanish. Project of the Public Interest Clearinghouse, and the State Bar of California.