Jul

23

Best Friends for Business Research: Librarians

July 23, 2007 | Anita Campbell

Libraries and librarians for business researchIn the midst of fun diversions like YouTube and MySpace, it would be easy to overlook what a boon the Internet has been for … libraries.

For several years now, libraries have been booming across the United States and in other countries even as use of the Internet grows. 

People want information.  They want it in print and, of course, they want it online. 

And there’s been another boon:  for business research.  I can remember when doing business research meant a physical trip to the library.  Sometimes it still does.

More likely these days, business research starts at your desk.  For instance, I conduct as much of it as I can online.  I start with public information sources, such as Google (where else?). 

But Google just barely scratches the surface.  From there I often need to find specialized databases.  And the techniques for finding that research require a little skill.

That’s where librarians come in.  They help you understand how to do research, where to look, how to narrow down your search parameters, and so on. 

The Biz Wiki is a site that points to various business research sources and gives helpful overviews and how-to advice about conducting business research, including screencasts.  The Biz Wiki is run by a librarian at Ohio University Library.  

The Biz Wiki can be read by anyone, although the collection is available only to the community surrounding the Ohio University.

However, if you find a source on the Biz Wiki, you can always contact a large public library in your area to find it there.  And your local business reference librarian can be a tremendous help in conducting research.  You’d be amazed at the questions they will gladly research and answer over the telephone for you.

Hat tip to Jason the Content Librarian, for pointing out the Biz Wiki.


Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. Chris on July 24, 2007 12:05 pm

    I enjoy my local library and have spent much time there over the years. It’s always a great place to begin exploration and whenever friends or associates are seeking information on a particular subject - I point them in the direction of the library as a place to begin and request assistance.

  2. EJMalyn on July 26, 2007 9:34 pm

    Agree with Chris. The library is always the place to go when conducting research for many things. A lot of people are aware of this.

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