Consumer Information

Hink's Department Store Shattuck at Kittredge 1952
Hink's Department Store Shattuck at Kittredge 1952

Stay informed about the best products and services with our online consumer information resources. 

We provide online access to product reviews from Consumer Reports Magazine through Magazine Masterfile.

Find information on how to protect yourself from fraud and scams below.

Consumer Books

 

Home Economics

 

Consumer Protection

Government and nonprofit groups working to protect you.

Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Consumer protection information from the FTC Online Reporting for Identity Theft from the Berkeley Police Department
The Berkeley Police Department's recommended procedure for handling identity theft and fraud Product Recalls
Official recalls issued by government agencies

Consumer Education

California Department of Consumer Affairs
The California state agency responsible for consumer issues.Better Business Bureau of Northern California
Alerts consumers to complaints against companies in their area.Consumer Reports
The Berkeley Public Library provides access to full text online access to the magazine back to 1991 through MasterFILE Complete.

Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook

From auto repair shops to doctors to plumbers to vets, Checkbook helps you find the best local services—and avoid the worst. Dedicated staff and members research prices, provide consumer advice, write reviews and provide ratings based on their real-life experiences. 

Details and updates for Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook

Explora

Our largest database of magazines and journals offering many full-text articles.
Details and updates for Explora

Consumer Reports Website

In addition to thousands of product ratings and reviews of appliances, electronics and more, you will find in-depth advice, tips and trends written by Consumer Reports experts. More comprehensive than the monthly print publication.

Details and updates for Consumer Reports Website