Reference Services recently offered a session which focused on evaluating quality purchases, comparing product features, and gauging professional/editor and peer/user reviews.  For patrons who were not able to attend our presentation, we've attached it in its original PowerPoint format.  Please let our Reference Department know if we can assist you further in any specific product or service search. Download Consumer Information Session 111209

The application period for low-income individuals of family in Illinois to apply winter home heating assistance has opened.  The state received $174.6 million in federal funds this year to assist low-income families with energy bills.  One person is eligible with a monthly income of up to $1,354 in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  A family of four can earn up to $2,756 per month.  Thirty-five local agencies administer grants.  Officials expect to help 300,000 households this winter.  Please visit liheapillinois.com for information.  The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families also has contact and application information.

Illinois driver's license and identification holders can now add emergency contact information to a database that emergency personnel can access if an individual is unable to communicate after an accident.  Go to: Emergency Contact Database to find more information and to participate.

Two federal government agencies and a U.N. agency have posted useful information regarding the current swine flu outbreak.

• National Library of Medicine (NLM), Medline: Swine Flu

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Swine Influenza

• World Heath Organization (WHO), Swine Influenza
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It is critical that homebuyers and homeowners are aware of the legitimate assistance available to them, as well protecting themselves from financing and refinancing scams.

Homeowners looking for help should visit a new website called MakingHomeAffordable.gov, which has information on the administration's $75 billion effort to help homeowners out of mortgage trouble. It includes a listing of HUD-approved mortgage counselors. People can also call 1-888-995-HOPE. Homeowners are encouraged to call if they suspect a company is perpetrating a scam.

Expanded Tax Break Available for 2009 First-Time Homebuyers

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204672,00.html

First-Time Home Buyer's Assistance Program in Mount Prospect

http://www.mountprospect.org/services/community_development/planning/cdbg/first_time_homebuyer.html

HUD in Illinois (includes steps to avoid foreclosure, search for affordable rentals, and homebuying programs)

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=il

The transition from analog to all digital television broadcast has been postponed for some regions and will take place sometime between March 14 and June 12, 2009.  The Digital TV Transition website has updated information as well as a list of stations that have transitioned as of February 17.  To date, the Chicago broadcast market has not been affected and continues analog broadcast. 

Recovery.gov and Stimuluswatch.org are recently launched websites designed to inform citizens as to the progress of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by  President Obama on February 17, 2009.  Recovery.gov was created by the Obama adminstration in an effort to educate the public and be transparent and accountable about where and how the funds are dispersed and used.  Stimulus.org is from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and "was built to to help the new administration keep its pledge and to hold public officials to account. We do this by allowing you, citizens around the country with local knowledge about the proposed projects in your city, to find, discuss and rate those projects."

Beginning on Monday, November 3, Illinois consumers meeting certain requirements will be able to apply to the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).   This season, Illinois will have twice as many funds available to assist low-income households with paying for winter heating costs.  For further information and instructions on how to apply, check out: LIHEAPIllinois.

The 2008 Illinois school report card has recently been released.  The Chicago Tribune has created a search engine for easy access to specfic public school information: 2008 Illinois School Report Card.  Included in the database are: demographic profiles, passing rates on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, the Prairie State Achievement Exam and the Illinois Alternate Assessment exam, as well as average ACT scores.