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 LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS RESEARCH
MAN 4720 - SPRING 2006
LIBRARIAN: Bruce Barron

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Activities: In this session you will learn how to access the Library's catalog and databases, where to locate useful resources for completing assignments, gain practice in navigating selected databases, and discover where to find help for correctly citing sources.

Goals: At the conclusion of this session you will be able to:

1. Access the library's catalog from home or campus;
2. Locate helpful databases for doing company research and SWOT analysis;
3. Navigate selected databases as well as organize and retrieve records;
4. Find information on correct citation procedures;

Accessing Information:

The address of the Library’s web site is (http://www.fau.edu/library). In order to access databases from home you must use EZ Proxy. This can be done by going to Quick Links on the homepage and then clicking <EZ Proxy>. 

Many useful Business databases can be found by going to Research Help under Quick Links on the homepage and then selecting What's Your Major? followed by Business. Databases can also be located in alphabetical and subject order by selecting Index/Databases under Quick Links.

Evaluating Resources:

The World Wide Web can be useful for providing some types of information but normally research using Databases will provide better sources of information. Some sources in databases include trade journals, industry newspapers, general business magazines, Wall Street Journal, business newswires, and scholarly journals.

These sources have different degrees of reliability. Check to see if the information is current and from an authoritative source. Also examine for objectivity and accuracy.

SELECTED DATABASES

You must use EZ Proxy to access databases from off campus.

Ø   Business and Company Resource Center is an excellent resource from which to start research for a SWOT analysis. Use the upper tabs to navigate and find Company Profiles, financial data, histories, Investment Reports, and news articles.

Ø  Mergent provides past and present financial information in a convenient and flexible format which allows downloading to Excel. Use Edgar to locate 10-K and other reports. 

Ø    S&P Net Advantage is an invaluable source for finding an Industry Survey and learning how to analyze a company in a particular industry. Find comparisons of major companies in an industry using key financial data. 

Ø     Marketline can be used to locate industry profiles and is especially good for researching conditions in foreign markets. Detailed reports give market value, competitive landscape, leading companies, and market forecasts.

Ø    ABI/INFORM Complete supplies journal and newspaper articles from a vast array of publishers and trade organizations. Using Advanced Search you may choose to search by company name or find articles about industries by using NAICS codes.

Ø    Additional sources for business news coverage can be found in LexisNexis Academic and Business Full Text. Detailed information on the business environment and market conditions in foreign countries can be found in Country Commerce and Country Watch. Another source for research on specific industries is available in Plunkett Research which also provides statistical information and links to industry specific resources.

CITING SOURCES 

Ø      A helpful site for general information on correctly citing sources in your paper is The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing.

Finding Additional Assistance:

Ask-A-Librarian email reference help

Reference desk phone number: 561-297-3785

Make an appointment with a librarian: One-on-one reference consultation