Electronic resources Know This.com: Marketing Virtual Library

Citation

Tao, M. (2002), "Electronic resources Know This.com: Marketing Virtual Library", Online Information Review, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 57-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/oir.2002.26.1.57.7

KnowThis.com’s Marketing Virtual Library states its goal as providing objective resources for academics, students and professionals in marketing‐related areas. The Web site provides over 1,000 evaluated links to sites relating to market research, advertising, sales management, and e‐commerce as well as jobs, publications, conferences and education in the marketing profession. The virtual library is organised into ten categories: advertising and promotion, rustomer relationship management, education, general resources, groups and meetings, Internet marketing and e‐commerce, market research, marketing jobs and careers, publications, and sales management. Each category is further divided into various subtopics. There is also a section for special topics such as international marketing and direct marketing. Finally, there are lists of top five areas, topics and interesting sites.

Each category and top five list contains a brief description/definition as well as the type of information covered by the links, rather like a textbook introduction. Most links are annotated and designated as free or fee‐based, where applicable. The resources mentioned are respectable and, in many cases, frequently cited by other Web sites. The site is easy to navigate and the design uses colours well. Browsing is the best way to become acquainted with the numerous resources provided by the site. If you do not feel like browsing, there is a search box with advanced search options. There are no modification dates listed anywhere, but only one of the links I clicked on did not lead to the intended site. Way down at the end of each page is a small advertisement that is noticeable, but not intrusive.

The Marketing Virtual Library is similar to a superstore that offers a lot of variety with one‐stop shopping convenience. Whether you are looking for sample marketing plans, upcoming trade shows, sales techniques, cyberspace legal issues or career options, KnowThis.com can provide you with a link. Some topics could use more links or more detailed annotations, but in general there are enough resources to get you off to a good start. This site is highly recommended for academic and public libraries, marketing students, small business enterprises and anyone interested in marketing or advertising.