Market Research and Small Business Resources at WPL

The library offers an extensive collection of  books on business topics such as writing a business plan, hiring and managing employees, the dynamics of leadership, selling and marketing strategies, business accounting and advertising. This collection to be checked out can be found on the second floor of the library with the newest titles just published located on display shelves near the Welcome Desk on the first floor.

When it come to research, there are several business databases that can be accessed in the library or remotely from work or home with a Worcester Public Library card. Reference Solutions is a database that offers small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs rich content and data to assist with starting or growing a business. Learn how to identify potential customers, competitors and revenue data on companies within an industry sector with this source. This database offers the ability to create sales lists too. The library also has A to Z Database that provides similar content, tools and capabilities.

These business databases can be helpful for everyday consumer needs. Have you ever wanted to find a new dentist or been in search of a plumber for home repairs but weren’t certain of results you found Googling? That’s where Reference Solutions and A to Z Database come in handy. In addition, both offer an easily searchable healthcare database to locate medical professionals in your area or across the country.  Both A to Z and Reference Solutions include U.S. and Canadian White Pages and even a job search platform.

Also relevant to business research are the Gale General OneFile and the New York Times databases. If you have any questions about business research resources and need assistance getting started, please email our business resources librarian, Jackie, at jdzugan@mywpl.org.

Visit our Small Business Resources page to learn more. 

To access these databases go to the library’s website at www.mywpl.org, click on the Resources tab and then select Online Databases. You will need your Worcester Public Library card number and PIN to login.