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FUMSI User Survey Highlights Needs of Info Pros
FUMSI User Survey Highlights Needs of Info Pros:
Some surprises in online activity and usage amongst findings
Knowledge professionals have given candid indications of their online
habits and information requirements in a new self-assessment survey
devised by Free Pint Ltd, a respected online publisher of user-
generated content, articles, newsletters and tips. Free Pint Ltd is
exhibiting at the Online Information exhibition in Olympia from 4-6
December 2007 (stand number 144).
The survey was sent to selected samples within the FreePint network
(of over 70,000 knowledge professionals) to help inform the strategy
for the launch of an improved FUMSI (Find, Use, Manage and Share
Information) practical online information resource for those who need
to find, use, manage or share information.
Most respondents reported that they work in corporate environments
with more than 250 employees; a significant portion of respondents
work in government agencies. Other types of employment represented
included professional services, education/academic and consultancy
information professionals. Just under half of the respondents were
from the UK, and thirty-six percent were from the United States.
Remaining respondents were divided among other regions. They report an
average of 7 years at their current positions and over 16 years in the
information field.
"In most cases the findings supported our hypotheses in designing the
survey. In other areas, however, we found surprises", said Free Pint
Ltd. General Manager, Robin Neidorf.
Findings consistent with expectations included the following:
- Ninety percent of respondents have at least some influence over
business purchases; twenty-five percent have 'significant'
influence, and twenty percent are the primary decision-maker.
- Forty-one percent of respondents spent at least 25 hours each week
online for business reasons, and another twenty-two percent log
between 15 and 25 hours each week online for business.
- Seventy-one percent access paid-subscription websites 'frequently'
or 'daily'.
- Seventy-seven percent use premium (paid-for) databases 'frequently'
or 'daily'.
Less anticipated were responses relating to their use of so-called Web
2.0 tools, including podcasting, webcasting and social networks for
business. Thirty-five percent said that podcasts were ‘not useful’;
forty percent ‘never’ visit social networking sites, and forty-nine
percent ‘never’ interact via social networking sites for business.
"These last few items were a bit of a surprise to us", said Ms.
Neidorf. "Most of the industry events and conferences lately have
emphasised social networking, podcasting and webcasting as already
'arrived' technologies, but our respondents tell a different story.
Many took the time to write additional comments that they cannot
access these tools at work or that they simply do not have time to
integrate them into their workflow."
The survey results will help inform the new FUMSI offering, which
includes a searchable database of user-submitted articles and tips in
each of the four practice areas (Find, Use, Manage and Share
Information); a monthly PDF magazine with the most recent articles,
enhanced with commentary by practice-area contributing editors; FUMSI
Folios collecting recent articles and resources in a specific practice
area; reports and tool kits, including hands-on PDF workbooks and
resources for improving information skills and completing information-
related projects.
Robin Neidorf will be giving a series of briefings on the new FUMSI
offering at Free Pint’s stand number 122 during this year’s Online
Information exhibition (4-6 December 2007) at Olympia. One will begin
immediately after the award announcement. Discounted offers on the
latest series of FreePint FUMSI reports (available from
http://web.freepint.com/go/shop/report/) are also available to those
who pre-register to receive the first issue (January 2008) of the new
FUMSI Magazine -- email support@freepint.com
for further details.
- Ends -
For further Information:
Robin Neidorf, General Manager, Free Pint Limited
Tel (USA): +1-612-392-2312 (direct; US)
Main office: +44 (0)870 141 7474 (UK)
E-mail: robin.neidorf@freepint.com
About Free Pint Limited
Free Pint Limited, celebrating its 10th publishing year in 2007, is a
publisher of magazines, newsletters and licensable content. Its online
imprints include:
FreePint <http://www.freepint.com>, an online community of 70,000
practitioners around the world who find, use, manage and share work-
related information.
FreePint FUMSI Reports <http://web.freepint.com/go/shop/report/> are a
series of practical guides to help in the four practice areas of Find,
Use, Manage and Share (Information). Learn more at
<http://www.freepint.com/fumsi/>.
VIP <http://www.vivavip.com/> is a monthly paid-subscription magazine
for senior managers who make purchasing decisions for information
content products and services.
ResourceShelf <http://www.resourceshelf.com/> is a daily update website
with high-quality free web-based resources, including databases,
multimedia and special collections.
DocuTicker <http://www.docuticker.com/> is a daily update of full-text
PDF reports published free on the web by government agencies, NGOs and
other public interest groups.
Jinfo <http://www.jinfo.com/> is an online database of information-
related job vacancies.
Free Pint Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered
Number: 3754418. Registered Office: Delaport Coach House, Lamer Lane,
Wheathampstead, Herts, AL4 8RQ
Issued by:
Free Pint Limited, 4-6 Station Approach, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2QN,
UK
Contact: Robin Neidorf, Tel: 0870 141 7474, E-mail:
robin.neidorf@freepint.com
Read other FreePint Press Releases.
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