| Business Resources
Introduction
What are the most frequently asked business reference topics? Responses from business librarians of Pratt’s Business Reference Department include:
- How to start a particular business, specifically information and statistics for the business plan as well as basic management information.
- Information about a particular company ranging from basic contact information to a complete history and financial data.
- Investment information ranging from the basics to detailed information about a particular stock, bond, or investment type.
- Information about an industry from various perspectives. Is it good to work in, invest in, start a business, etc?
- Ranking and statistics.
- Taxes
Learning Goals
This module will acquaint you with the Business resources in your branch and the Business Reference Department at Pratt/State Library Resource Center. Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe the organization, features and usefulness of both print and electronic business resources.
- Identify and suggest the kinds of questions the resource/s can answer.
- Utilize the appropriate resource/s to find information that answers the customer’s question/s.
Task
Examine the resources (books, databases, web sites, etc.) for this module. The resources may include print, electronic, audio, video and expert human resources. Also, consider and include resources for a variety of ages - adult, young adult, children - and needs. Enter a minimum of 3 resources for this subject using the Subject Resource form.
Process
- Review the strategies (those you identified in the Finding Information module) for examining a resource/reference tool. Add to the list any additional strategies you’ve identified.
- Choose resources that are "at your fingertips" - accessible to you.
- Examine the resources using the strategies for examining a resource. Conduct an "on-the-fly" exam of the resources and then complete a second, more in-depth review. As you look the resource, consider its candidacy for your core collection.
- Complete an electronic Subject Resource Form for each resource you identify and examine. Include a practice question /answer and be sure to cite the page number or specify the exact URL (copy/paste the URL on the form).
- Reflect on your learning. Share/discuss with your supervisor and post your thoughts and insights in your electronic journal. Consider:
- How have these modules assisted you in answering customers' questions;
- New strategies for finding information/examining materials you have developed;
- Your thoughts about your knowledge base of materials?
- Your ability to find the answers.
Questions
Contact me if you have any questions and need anything clarified. The purpose of these modules is to start you on the path of developing your knowledge base of your library’s collection and other resources you can use to answer customer’s questions. Enjoy the journey!
Email: coordinator@latimd.org
Business Resources
The most frequently used print (in italics) and digital business resources are:
- Encyclopedia of Associations
Internet access by subscription only: http://galenet.gale.com/
- Hoover’s Handbook of American Manufacturers
*http://www.hoovers.com/
- Maryland/DC Manufacturers Directory
- Standard and Poor’s Register of Corporations
http://www.standardandpoors.com
- Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1987
North American Industry Classification System, 1997
*http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html
*http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html
- Statistical Abstract of the United States
- Thomas Register of American Manufacturers
http://www.thomasregister.com
- Value Line
*http://www.valueline.com
- Washington Business Journal Book of Lists
Baltimore Business Journal Book of Lists
- Wall Street Journal
Internet access by subscription (free two-week trial)
http://interactive4.wsj.com/home.html
Another important resource is Pratt’s Business department’s web page: http://www.epfl.net/slrc/busctr/index.html
*Indicates free resource with extensive research content
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