smArtie's Blog

Reference (morgueFile)

…well, not exactly. But here are some great FREE reference items available online.

A 2010 PEW Internet report (February) revealed a significant increase in the use of social networks and wireless and mobile devices. Information providers are going to where the users are. Here is a short list of some of the best free online reference available:

• EIA – Official Energy Statistics from the US Government – The Energy Information Administration site is data driven and provides current and historical statistics as well as an analysis of energy production, demand, trade and prices.
• FLU.gov – If you work in or attend a school, plan for businesses or communities or even look after your family…this site will make sure you *know what to do about the flu*.
• HotStop.com – Planning to travel to a major city anytime soon? This site can help you calculate the most efficient mass transit route (bus and subway), estimate the time, compare it with the cost of a taxi, and even adjust for the time of the day.
• London Datastore – launched earlier this year, this goal of this site is to release all Greater London Authority data to the public FREE of charge. Everything from abandoned cars to sports participation rates to the prevalence of childhood obesity and teenage pregnancy.
• National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) – A program to provide data and information about the wildlife biological resources of the United States.
• The National Security Archives – An independent nongovernmental research institute and library at George Washington University collects and publishes declassified documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.
• Online Archive of California (OAC) – Provides free access to detailed descriptions of primary resource collections at 150 contributing institutions including libraries, archives, historical societies, and museums throughout California and is a core component of the California Digital Library.
• PEW Center on Climate Change – Provides credible and objective information on global climate change. The site allows you to follow state, national, and international issues and politics related to climate change.
• Southwest Center for Herpetological Research – Regional repository of information about the snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians of the American Southwest.
• Sunlight Foundation – Making government transparent and accountable by using technology and creating tools to access easily government and political information that empowers the public to engage in governance.
• US Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) – Maintains the world’s leading online authority of the Holocaust. Users can search or browse the Holocaust multilingual encyclopedia and receive notifications when articles are updated, search names and places for survivors and victims. Use the Genocide section to find information on today’s crimes against humanity.
• Vision of Humanity – Best known for the Global Peace Index (GPI) founded by Australian technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Killelea. The GPI has ranked 144 independent states based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators such as level of military spending and respect for human rights.

~RG