Entrepreneurs and small business owners can use library resources to prepare business plans, research competitors, track trends and perform market analysis. Researchers can use library databases to access business news and research, company information, trade and professional associations, annual reports, demographics and more. The business community can use libraries to research a range of topics, including product protection, employee rights and responsibilities, accounting, taxation, marketing, quality management, business plan development, economic trends and emerging technologies. Many library resources can be searched from work or home via the Internet. While most users appropriately think first of public libraries, local public libraries can connect to other larger and specialized library collections. Business people should also consider nearby college and university libraries, which frequently serve their broader communities. In addition, libraries in government agencies offer unique publications and resources that may be useful. Finally, special libraries that serve corporations, law firms, medical institutions and other organizations may also be helpful. At eLibraryMN researchers are helped in locating public libraries and databases available to Minnesota residents. Libraries subscribe to many online resources useful to business people. These resources are widely available at Minnesota libraries. Databases for Business Information The following databases provide access to business news, research, trends and reports: • ABI/INFORM Complete - Features business information from trade journals, industry surveys and company reports • Business Source Premier - Features full-text articles from business journals, industry -surveys, market research and country reports • IBISWorld - comprehensive collection of U.S. Industry Market Research and Industry Risk Ratings • NewsBank - Provides full-text articles from business journals and domestic and international newspapers • Proquest Global -Business - Market research, scholarly periodicals, the latest business news, ebooks, company profiles, analyst reports, case studies, videos. Tools to Research Companies These online and print sources offer company profiles, contact information, product descriptions and sales and employment figures. The following company directories are available at many Minnesota libraries: • GALE -Business Insights - Provides access to in-depth information on U.S. and international businesses, industries and products • Dun & Bradstreet - Global commercial database contains more than 205 million business records • D&B Hoovers - Provides information on about 40,000 companies
271
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker