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consumers' rights
This guide is an introduction to the research process that, while not
being an exhaustive list of information resources available, should be helpful in getting
started in your research about consumers' rights. Below you
will find pointers to suggested research terms about consumers' rights, materials in the library catalog about
consumers' rights,
websites relevant to consumers' rights, and links to library
databases that contain information about consumers' rights.
Please use our email reference
service, contact us at (310) 434-4254, or visit us in the library at
the reference desk if you need further assistance.
Go to: Suggested
Research Terms Materials in the Library
Catalog Websites
Library Databases
Suggested Research Terms
One of the really helpful things when searching for information about a topic
is a short list of terms related to a topic. We think the following terms
will help with your research about consumers' rights:
- consumer rights
- consumer fraud
- product safety
- product recall
- bankruptcy
- warranty
- scam
- Ralph Nader
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Materials in the library catalog about consumers' rights
We have the following materials in the library catalog about consumers' rights:
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Websites on consumers' rights
The following websites will help you with your research on consumers' rights:
Better Business Bureau
Provides information on making a consumer complaint and researching a company.
Public Citizen
Ralph Nader's consumer education and advocacy organization.
National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
This is a “not-for-profit association of attorneys and consumer advocates committed to representing consumers’ interests.” The site includes information on a number consumer rights issues.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer Information
The FTC’s “mandate is to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive and fraudulent practices.” In this section of the website, you will find publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics.
American Bar Association (ABA) – LawInfo.org
The ABA is the national representative of the legal profession. This part of the site is a gateway to information for consumers on legal topics that affect daily life.
California Department of Consumer Affairs
“The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is here to protect and serve California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.”
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Publications in English and Spanish on a variety of privacy issues: credit reports; cordless and cellular phones; caller ID; employment checks; credit cards; stalking; junk mail; telemarketing; medical information; government records; identity theft; etc. The PRC was founded with funds from the Telecommunications Education Trust, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission and is now a project of the Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN).
Consumers International
A worldwide non-profit federation of consumer organizations, dedicated to the protection and promotion of consumer interests. Includes reports and position papers.
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Library Databases relevant to consumers' rights
The following Santa Monica College Library online databases may contain material
relevant to consumers' rights. Databases may include magazine,
newspaper and journal articles. Off-campus users, please note: you must be a Santa
Monica College student, faculty or staff member to use these services.
Business Source Premier
Business Source Premier provides full text for nearly 8200 serials.
Coverage includes all subject areas related to business.
Academic Search Premier, MasterFile Premier
Academic Search Premier and MasterFile Premier provide
full text for over 6200 periodicals including full text
for more than 3,500 peer-reviewed journals. Coverage spans
virtually every area of academic study and offers information
dating as far back as 1975.
National Newspapers (U.S.)
Searchable index for recent issues of the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor. Full-text for newer issues and citations for older materials. More information on coverage
Encyclopedia Americana
Includes 45,000 articles, plus thousands of hypertext
links to web sites featuring additional data. It is updated quarterly.
Researched and evaluated by:
Daniel Lehman, Librarian,
April 2007
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