Making Sense of Business Reference: A Guide for Librarians and Research Professionals - Softcover

Ross, Celia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 083891084X ISBN 13: 9780838910849

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2012

Synopsis

In times of recession, the library is more critical than ever for those who want to start a business and need to do research, and academic and public libraries are at the heart of a growing need to research business questions. An "accidental business reference librarian by trade," Ross explains how to provide quality reference help on issues from marketing to finance--for business people, students, and even business faculty. Honing in on fundamentals, this practical guide

• Explains how to conduct the reference interview, with tips for helping clients help themselves
• Identifies important business resources, both free and fee-based
• Offers chapters devoted to industry and market information; small-business needs; international business research; investing and the stock market; and marketing and demographics

A detailed bibliography functions as both a standing reference for desk use as well as a collection development aid for building a core business collection. Including numerous illustrative case studies, Making Sense of Business Reference takes the guesswork out of doing business.

About this title

About the Author

Celia Ross has worked in business reference in a variety of settings, from a small venture capital firm to a global consulting firm and in public and academic libraries. Along the way, she learned many of the skills and techniques she describes in this book. She is past chair of the Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) of ALA's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) and teaches an online course through RUSA on business librarianship. She has presented at conferences and written journal articles and book chapters on business reference. Currently she is a librarian at the University of Michigan's Kresge Business Administration Library.

Reviews

General reference questions can often be answered with a few clicks of the mouse and a call number, but business reference requires in-depth research and time-sensitive data. Labeling herself an “accidental business librarian,” the author covers the full range of business topics, including how to learn more about an industry, investment research, and statistics. Chapters include “The Business Reference Question,” “Company Research,” “Consumer Research and Marketing/Advertising,” and “Small Business.” Information covers both paid and free databases available for the business researcher and analyzes their strengths and weaknesses. This volume has an easy-to-follow format and can be used for developing comprehensive business research skills or scanned quickly to complete a reference question. Making Sense of Business Reference: A Guide for Librarians and Research Professionals is an excellent addition to any public or academic librarian’s professional collection. --Paula Webb

Edition details

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 083891084X
• ISBN 13: 9780838910849
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176