Consumer information

Comparative Guide to American Hospitals

Snapshot profiles of each of the nation's 4,300+ hospitals. These profiles illustrate how the hospital rates when providing 47 different treatments within seven broad categories.

Comparative Guide to American Suburbs

Profiles of suburban communities within each of the 80 largest U.S. metropolitan areas in the United States.

Complete Television, Radio & Cable Industry Directory

Includes directories for Television, Radio & Services.

Favorite

Consumer Reports

We offer free access to ConsumerReports.org to anyone at the library and to Des Plaines residents from home. You'll find ratings and recommendations on appliances, electronics, cars, travel and more.

This is a good source for local consumer information for the home, cars, health care (including physicians & dentists) personal services and more. It includes Chicago Consumers' Checkbook. You'll be asked to register with Consumers' Checkbook for home use.

Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media

Over 57,000 listings for radio, television stations, cable companies and print media.

Gale Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs: A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Common Medications

2015 edition

MasterFILE Premier

Full text for periodicals covering general reference, business, health, education and science. Links to video files including television shows like the Today Show and Meet the Press. Full text from reference books and more.

PriceIt! Antiques & Collectibles

Millions of records for identifying, researching and pricing art, antiques and collectibles.

Value of a Dollar:1860-2014

Records the actual prices of thousands of items that consumers purchased from the Civil War to the present,along with facts about investment options and income opportunities.

Weiss/Financial Ratings Series

Find out how your bank or credit union is doing by checking its financial strength rating. You can also find ratings for mutual funds and stocks. Consumer guides for auto, health, homeowner's and long-term care insurance are also included.