General Business Resources @ Smith Library

Finding reference works on general business: in the library & on the Internet

Reference Books in Smith Library, located on the second floor

Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (PS365 .A28 in the Reference Collection) is a tool to decipher perplexing abbreviations and acronyms.

American Business Climate and Economic Profiles: A Concise Compilation of Facts, Rankings, Incentives and Resource Listings for all 319 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and the 50 States/ edited by Priscilla C Geahigan for Gale Research (1994 edition is a "Library Use Only" reference tool at WCSU and CCSU and is also available at HC102.2.A44 1994 in the Babbidge Library reference collection at UCONN/Storrs) provides a multitude of economic facts and figures relating to the larger cities in the USA. Individual states and Metropolitan Statistical Areas are profiled to show such information as gross state product figures, state tax rates, income data, quality of life statistics, and land area.  The title is no longer listed as a Gale publication and no newer edition is available.  Not owned by Smith Library.

The American Economy: An historical encyclopedia (HC102.A66 2003 2 volumes in the Reference Collection), edited by Cynthia Clark Northrup, has over 500 entries, 31 analytical essays and a 19 primary source documents spanning 400 years of economic life in the United States.

The American Management Association (http://www.mra-net.org/) is a global not-for-profit, membership-based association that provides a full range of management development and educational services to individuals, companies and government agencies worldwide, including 486 of the Fortune 500 companies.  Since 1923, the business community has turned to AMA for the practical training and business tools needed to improve individual and organizational performance.  The AMA web site provides information on certification and continuing education, research, conferences and membership benefits.

ASAE (http://www.asaenet.org/), the American Society of Association Executives, considers itself an advocate for the nonprofit sector, dedicated to advancing the value of voluntary associations to society and supporting the professionalism of the individuals who lead them. Founded in 1920 as the American Trade Association Executives, with 67 charter members, ASAE now has 25,000 individual members who manage leading trade, professional, and philanthropic associations. ASAE represents approximately 10,000 associations serving more than 287 million people and companies worldwide and vendors that offer products and services to the association community.  There is a directory link on the ASEA home page which allows member associations to be searched by keyword.

The Basic Business Library: Core Resources / edited by Bernard S. Schlessinger; Rashelle S. Karp, associate editor (Oryx Press, 1995, 3rd edition) is shelved at Z675 .B8 B37 1994 in the Reference Collection.

Bloomberg (www.bloomberg.com) is a global provider of data, news and analytics. The BLOOMBERG TERMINAL and Bloomberg's media services provide real-time and archived financial and market data, pricing, trading, news and communications tools in a single, integrated package to corporations, news organizations, financial and legal professionals and individuals around the world.  

Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook (HE8689.B77 1997 edition in 2 vols. in the Reference Collection with more recent additions at other CSU libraries) focuses on the broadcast and cable industry, providing an industry overview for the previous year.  The bulk of the yearbook, which is updated annually, lists television and radio stations by various categories; satellites' carriers, programming, brokers; technological services; awards; associations; and government agencies. 

Business Ethics: A Reference Handbook / John W. Dienhart and Jordan Curnutt (ABC-CLIO, 1998) is shelved at HF5387.D54 1998 in the Reference Collection.

Business Information: How to Find It, How to Use It / Michael R. Lavin (Oryx, 1992 2^nd edition) can be found at HF5356 .L36 1992 in the Reference Collection.

Business Reference Services and Sources: How End Users and Librarians Work Together / Katherine M. Shelfer, editor (Haworth, 1997) can be found at Z675 .B8 B88 1997 in the Reference Collection.

Business Serials of the U.S. Government / Business Reference and Services Section, Reference and Adult Services Division, American Library Association ; edited by Priscilla C. Geahigan, Robert F. Rose (ALA, 1988 Edition 2nd edition), is shelved at HC103 .B88 1988 in the Reference Collection.

Business Statistics of the United States (Bernan Press) is shelved in the Reference Collection (HC101 .A13122, 1996-2004 editions).  This title continues Business Statistics (Commerce Department, Bureau of Economic Analysis), held under the same call number from 1963-1991.  The 2002 and 2004 editions are available online through the CONSULS catalog.  Current edition contains more than 4,000 data series covering every aspect of the U.S. economy, including GDP by state and region, employment, production, prices, productivity, international trade, money supply, and interest rates, fully incorporating historical data revisions released by government agencies.  Also in the current edition are data for the half-century since the end of World War II for reference to all of the 10 postwar business cycles of recession and recovery. New data using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) gives a picture of the most dynamic sectors of the "new economy" with new detail on receipts and spending by the Federal, state, and local government sectors.  Current editions include more than 150 basic data tables, most presenting 30 years of annual data and four years of monthly data, with additional historical data for selected series; a section describing economic trends over the past 30 years, illustrated with original tables and graphics; population, total and per capita personal income, and employment for each state and region, annually for the past 30 years; an introductory analysis for each chapter, using graphics and brief text to highlight key trends; and detailed background notes with definitions, data revisions schedules, and sources-including Web addresses.

Connecticut Business Directory (directories USA / InfoUSA, Inc.) is located in the Reference Collection (HC107.C8 C594 2005).  Connecticut businesses are listed by city, yellow pages category, major employers, and manufacturers by city and SIC.

Connecticut Economic Information System (http://www.state.ct.us/ecd/research/ceis ), CEIS, is a database of economic and demographic information about Connecticut, its towns and regions, and other states and countries. CEIS is maintained and distributed by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's research unit as part of its mission to serve as a central source for the state's economic and demographic information.

Connecticut Economic Resource Center (http://www.cerc.org), CERC, is a private, not-for-profit corporation formed through a unique partnership of utility/telecommunications companies and state government in 1992. Its mission is to increase Connecticut's economic vitality by helping our customers innovate and compete in the "New Economy."  CERC supports the states' Competitiveness Strategy with strategic direction, research and marketing services. CERC works with and serves a number of customers, including state agencies, municipalities, local and regional economic development organizations, business and trade associations, utility companies, educational institutions, financial institutions and law firms, as well as the general business community. CERC has a full time staff of 30 professionals and a network of consultants. CERC's Business Information Specialists manage one of the organization's most critical aspects, the toll-free call center.  CERC offers a variety of services including:

1-800-392-2122/www.cerc.com -  information about state programs and services through CERC's toll-free number and web site.

SiteFinderT - online database of available commercial and industrial properties in Connecticut provides complete profiles of each site or property.

Registration and Licensing - CERC implements the State's business registry program, Smart Start, which simplifies the business registration and permitting process.

Business Assistance - Economic development professionals show the advantages of starting, moving and expanding businesses in Connecticut to companies of all sizes.

Economic Data/Research Services - CERC offers information about the state's business climate and factors important to companies and economic development professionals.

Business Data & Mapping - Custom maps allow you to see economic, demographic and business information, gaining insights you wouldn't see on a spreadsheet. CERC can also provide detailed business lists and demographic information.

Marketing Services - Along with our support for state marketing campaigns (You Belong in Connecticut), CERC offers marketing consulting services for state agencies, municipalities, regions and economic development organizations.                                

Economic Development Consulting - Lead management, retention and recruitment, training, events and contacts are among the areas of expertise with which CERC can assist economic development professionals and organizations.

Connecticut State of Depart of Revenue Services  ( http://www.drs.state.ct.us/index.html ) site includes: Home, What's New, Tax Assistance, Forms, Publications, Research, Meet the Commissioner, Electronic Services, About DRS, Top 100, Site Map, Search.

Connecticut Market Data (Research Division, Public and Government Relations Division of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development) ED55 CMD in the Connecticut Documents Collection.  This biennial publication presents an excellent summary of Connecticut demographic and economic statistics.   The data presented usually lags 2-3 years behind the year of publication, extending back for 5-10 years.  This source is also available online at http://www.state.ct.us/ecd/ the Department of Economic and Community Development website.   Five print editions are available at ECSU, print ends in 1999.

County and City Extra (HA203.C68 2005 in the Reference Collection from 1992 with some breaks) is an annual publication providing up to date statistical information for states, counties, and metropolitan statistical areas, congressional districts and cities with a population of 25,000 or more in the United States.   The volume is organized by type of geographic area with descriptive statistical tables.  Statistics include population, households, vital statistics, health, crime, education, income, construction and housing, labor force and employment, agriculture, and land and water.  Places, Towns and Townships is a companion volume.

Current Biography Yearbook (CT100.C8 in the Reference Collection, received through 1998) is a source of biographical information on very well known people, including business leaders.

Economic Indicators Handbook: Time Series, Conversions, Documentation is a historical compilation of key economic indicators.  There are several "Library Use Only" editions available in the CSU system (none at ECSU), and Babbidge reference at UCONN/Storrs has the 1996 edition (HC103.E26 1996).  This historical data can be carried into the present by using sources such as the Survey of Current Business.

Economic Report of the President Transmitted to the Congress (PR42.9 in the U.S. Government Documents section) is noted for excellent appendices of historical, comparative

Editor & Publisher International Year Book (PN4700.E4 1987 in the Reference Collection) provides directory information for daily newspapers in the United States and in countries throughout the world, as well as weeklies in the United States and Canada.  It includes information on newspaper groups, syndicates and news services, associations and trade organizations, industry-related products and services and an alphabetical contact directory of newspaper industry personnel.

Editor & Publisher Market Guide (Other CSU's hold current editions 2003-05 of this title) is a source of descriptive information for MSA and non-MSA markets in the United States and Canada plus market data for more than 1,600 cities and all 3,096 counties. This resource uses 91 variables to project the year's retail sales, income levels and demographic composition of the US based on economic indicators provided by the Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, state data centers and chambers of commerce throughout the U.S. Projects year-end population, disposable income, personal/household income, total retail sales by category for every MSA and the top 250 countries and cities with daily newspapers. "Better Living Index," a relocation guide, ranking tables list and compare cost of living information, crime data, and education statistics by city. Comparable Data in 16 Categories, 1,397 U.S. newspaper markets: highways, distances to other major population centers - and defines vital local industries; transportation data covers motor freight carriers, rail, bus and air service; population figures for individual cities, regional totals; households in cities, towns and regions; number of banking institutions and total deposits by type; total of passenger cars registered; electric and gas meters;  principal Industries, number of workers in each type of industry, the principal pay days and the average weekly salary;  minimum and maximum temperatures for all four seasons; PH data, mineral content and fluoridation for tap water; principal shopping centers and frequently includes distances from the center of town, information about principal shopping days and which nights stores are open; names of department stores, discount stores, variety stores, chain drug stores, chain supermarkets, fast food outlets, automotive dealerships and others; the name, number of personnel and branch of armed forces; names the colleges and universities in the market, the number of students enrolled and whether they're 2- or 4-year institutions; days of publication, circulation, local contact names, titles and telephone numbers, as well as national representatives for newspapers.   Canadian markets population, income, household and retail sales data and 2005 forecasts by CMS.

Encyclopedia of Business Information Sources (HF 5353 .E9 2005 in the Reference Collection) is a bibliographic guide to 35,000+ citations covering sources related to 1,100+ business related topics.

The Entrepreneur's Reference Guide to Small Business Information / compiled by the staff of Business Reference Services, Science, Technology, and Business Division, Library of Congress (Library of Congress, 1994) is shelved at LC 2.8: EN 8 print copy in the US Government Documents collection.  Internet access to the 3^rd edition (1999) via http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS3049

Federal Reserve Bulletin (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) is shelved in the bound periodical stacks on 1^st floor.  ECSU holds 1968-1984, and 1992 to the present.  See CONSULS for volumes published between 1968 and1984.  Volumes for some years are incomplete. 

The Fed maintains a web site http://www.federalreserve.gov that has several interesting links (press releases, testimony, monetary policy, banking, consumer information, research and data, etc.).  By taking the "publications" link, one can access Federal Reserve Bulletin articles, reports to Congress, an index of Federal Reserve economic research, brochures, and order forms to obtain specific documents in print.  For New England regional economic data, see the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (http://www.bos.frb.org/).

Financial Studies of the Small Business (Financial Research Associates - annual is available in the general stacks at Babbidge Library, UCONN/Storrs at HD2346.U5 F55a 1975/76-1997/98 or UCONN/Hartford (HD2346.U5 F55a 1965/76-1998/99) analyzes data selected from over 30,000 financial statements of small firms (total capitalization under $1 million), contributed by over 1,500 independent CPA firms nationwide. Not owned by Smith Library.

Field guide to business terms : a glossary of essential tools and concepts for today's manager / chief contributor, Tim Hindle ; edited by Alistair D. Williamson (Harvard Business School Press, 1993) can be found at HD30.17 .H56 1993 in the circulating book collection.

Forbes' Annual Report on American Industry, the first January issue of Forbes Magazine, profiles over 20 industries.  Leading corporations in each industry are ranked by profitability, growth, net income, and sales, which are then compared to industrial averages.  Smith Library carries current issues of Forbes in print and back issues in microform and print.  Forbes' also compiles a variety of business and industry lists that are available free online (http://www.forbes.com/lists/).  Smith Library has a current subscription to Forbes' extending back to 1967 (with a break here and there) as well as HTML full text access through EBSCO Business Source Premier, ABI Inform, and Gale Academic ASAP.

Fortune publishes many special issues on business, industry and international markets.  The easiest way to determine the issue of the magazine focus on special topics in recent issues (for example - September 5, 2005: 100 Fastest-Growing Companies; July 25, 2005: The 2005 Global 500; May 16, 2005: 25 Breakout Companies 2005; April 18, 2005: The 2005 FORTUNE 500; March 7, 2005: America's Most Admired Companies; January 24, 2005: 100 Best Companies To Work For; January 10, 2005: 10 Tech Trends to Watch in 2005; December 27, 2004: 2005 Investor's Guide;  October 18, 2004: The 50 Most Powerful Women in Business; October 4, 2004: Special Issue: Inside the New China) is to consult the Fortune website's archives link (http://www.fortune.com/fortune/information/magarchive).  Smith Library has a current pint subscription to Fortune (the best choice to see many of the tables and graphics) extending back to 1982 and HTML full text access in EBSCO Business Source Premier, ABI Inform, or Gale Academic ASAP databases.

Google Directory (http://directory.google.com/) is divided into sixteen broad subject areas including business.  Within the business category there is a subcategory for associations which can be further focused on associations in a particular industry.

GPO Access (Government Printing Office).  Web site with links to many, free, current full text U.S. government publications. (http://www.gpoaccess.gov/).

A Guide to Finding Business Information at the Library of Congress / compiled by Richard F. Sharp (Library of Congress, Humanities and Social Sciences Division, 1995) is shelved at LC1.6/4:IN 3/2 (1995 edition) in the US Government Documents collection.

Harvard Business School Core Collection : An Author, Title, and Subject Guide (Harvard Business School, Baker Library, HF1134.H37 in the Reference Collection)..  ECSU has 1990 and 1997 editions.

The Internet Public Library (http://www.ipl.org/) is the first public library of and for the Internet community.   The IPL began in a graduate seminar in the School of Information and Library Studies at the University of Michigan in the Winter1995 semester.   The Internet Public Library (IPL) is a public service organization and learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan's School of Information.

Gary Price's List of Lists (http://www.specialissues.com/lol/dispLOL.cfm?Subject_ID=BUSINES008) is a directory of rankings and lists on a wide range of topics published in an equally wide range of sources. The link provided leads to the lists pertaining to business and industry. 

The Portable MBA Desk Reference: an essential business companion / Paul Argenti, editorial director (Wiley 1994) is shelved at HF5356 .P67 1994 in the Reference Collection and includes a bibliography and index.

Rand McNally Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide, G1019.R22 in the reference collection (2004), includes U.S. city, county, and state maps, plus maps and statistics on communications, transportation, economics, and population.

Sales & Marketing Management is of special interest because of the August issue, Survey of Buying Power, which covers population characteristics, income, retail sales and buying power (disposable income) for states, metropolitan areas, counties and major cities.  ECSU owns 1997 issue (Reference HF5415 .S342).  Survey of Media Markets is a special October issue which presents similar data for metropolitan and non-metropolitan media markets, rather than cities and counties.

The Serials Directory: An International Reference Book, shelved at Z6941.S464 1999 in the reference collection, is composed of five volumes divided alphabetically within broad subject categories.    This work also lists refereed journals, online journals and publisher information.

Small Business Sourcebook (HD2346 .U5 S66, 14^th edition for 2001 available at ECSU in the Reference Collection) is a guide to the information services and sources provided to small businesses by associations, consultants, government agencies (federal, state, and local), suppliers, trade shows and venture capital firms. Kinds of small business arranged alphabetically, with start-up information, professional or trade associations, educational programs, reference works, sources of supply, statistics sources, trade periodicals, trade shows and conventions, consultants, franchises and business opportunities, computerized databases, computer systems/software, libraries, research centers, and other resources of interest, specific to each type of business. 

Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors & Executives is a resource for corporate information and executive biographies.  It can also be used to locate businesses within a specific industry and/or geography, identify executive's interlocking business connections, and develop targeted mailing lists.

The Register consists of three volumes: Volume 1 provides information on over 100,000 public and private corporations and 500,000 company officers, Volume 2 contains biographical information on over 70,000 corporate executives and directors, and Volume 3 contains indices.

Standard Directory of Advertisers (Classified or Geographical editions),an annual two-volume publication also known as The Advertiser's Red Book, is the most comprehensive source for information on the advertising practices of 24,000 U.S. and Canadian companies spending a minimum of $200,000 on national and regional advertising. Companies may be accessed by 54 business categories or by state, province or city. Entries for companies advertising include SIC codes, business descriptions, statistics, personnel, approximate advertising expenditures, and media. Entries for ad agencies often include the companies and brand names handled and the executive assigned to each account. Volume two includes indexes by product by state or province, by brand name, by SIC code and by personnel. There is also a geographic index volume.

Standard Directory of Advertising Agencies, also known as the Agency Red Book, is the companion volume to the Standard Directory of Advertisers.  These "Red Books" provide information on agencies reporting a minimum of $200,000 in gross annual billings. Entries include: agency name, address, phone, e-mail, website, number of employees, area of specialization, annual billing, gross billing by media, clients, executives, special markets, and new agencies.

Statistical Abstract of the United States, published by the Department of Commerce and Bureau of the Census (HA202.A1 in the Reference Collection (1992-2003), C3.134/7: in the Government Documents Collection, and available online via an internet link from CONSULS), is the National Data Book of the United States.  It contains a wide ranging collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States, as well as selected international data. The Abstract is also a guide to sources of other data from the Census Bureau, other Federal agencies, and private organizations. 

Statistics Sources (HA1.S83 2003 in 2 volumes in the Reference Collection) is an alphabetically arranged dictionary guide to current sources of factual quantitative information on more than 20,000 specific subjects, incorporating almost 100,000 citations and more than 2,000 sources - print and non-print, published and unpublished, and electronic and other forms of U.S. and international statistical data on industrial, business, social, educational, financial and other topics. Three appendices help locate data source descriptions, including Internet and World Wide Web addresses.

Toll-free phone book USA: A Directory of Toll-Free Telephone Numbers for Business and Organizations Nationwide (shelved at HE8811.T655 2005 in the Reference Collection)

University of Michigan Documents Center (http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/) is a central reference and referral point for government information, whether local, state, federal, foreign or international. Its web pages are a reference and instructional tool for government, political science, statistical data, and news.  From the main page use the "statistics" link to access data sources lists on a variety of topics including business.

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