ISSInstruction. The Pearson Library: Your Gateway to Business Research

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1 California Lutheran University Information Systems and Services ISSInstruction The : Your Gateway to Business Research Introduction to Resources The offers many valuable business information resources ranging from books and journals to electronic databases to help you research material for your paper or project. This handout will provide you with an overview of key databases and information resources available through CLUnet and provide you with general tips for conducting successful library research. Our library features: Over 130,000 volumes More than 450 journal subscriptions 60 subscription database services Information Access to over 15,000 full text journals via online subscription databases covering business, education, humanities, sciences, social sciences, technology, and the arts Access to 7,200 ebooks via netlibrary Reference service available 65 hours/week including phone and reference 5 full-time Information Specialists/Librarians ready to help you. 1

2 Information Literacy and Your CLU Experience Accessing the Library's Catalog and Database Resources from On-Campus At CLU, information literacy defined by the Association of College and Research Libraries as having abilities to recognize when information is needed, and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information is an integral part of your CLU educational experience. The aim of our information literacy program is to assist you in acquiring critical thinking, communication, and information research skills, all of which are fundamental to a successful college experience and for achievement in today's global society. Throughout your college experience, your professors and librarians will teach you about using online research tools, applying critical thinking skills, evaluating information, understanding copyright issues and avoiding plagiarism the essence of information literacy. To find materials, you will need to use the library's online catalog and databases. Access to the library homepage then click on the Online Library Catalog or Article Databases links: In general, give yourself a minimum of two weeks to do the research for a paper or project. You may need more time if you need to request articles or books through Interlibrary Loan. 2

3 Accessing the Library from Off-Campus CLU has numerous Article Databases that may assist you in background research on your topic. To access the Article Databases from off campus, log in to myclu personal portal with your username and password at Click on the Article Database tab. The portal provides access to the licensed databases. Key Full-text Databases for Business Research These business and general interest databases are be especially useful: ABI/Inform Dateline - Search a unique resource focusing on hard-tofind local and regional business news coverage of large corporations, privately held companies, local start-ups, executive profiles, marketing, finance, and industry news. Provides access to business information not typically found in national news sources. Contains news and analysis, information on local markets, and more gathered from major business tabloids, magazines, daily newspapers, wire services, and city, state, and regional business publications. ABI/Inform Global - The most scholarly and comprehensive way to explore and understand business research topics. Search nearly 1800 worldwide business periodicals for in-depth coverage of business and economic conditions, management techniques, theory, and practice of business, advertising, marketing, economics, human resources, finance, taxation, computers, and more. Expanded international coverage. Fast access to information on 60,000 + companies with business and executive profiles. Now includes The Wall Street Journal. 3

4 ABI/Inform Trade & Industry - Search more than 750 business periodicals and newsletters with a trade or industry focus. Provides users with the latest industry news, product and competitive information, marketing trends, and a wide variety of other topics. Contains publications on every major industry, including finance, insurance, transportation, construction, and many more. Country Watch - CountryWatch is a world leader in providing country specific geopolitical intelligence on each of the 192 countries of the world. Select a country from the drop-down menu at their site or from the regional menu to view the information available. Datamonitor Business Information Centre (Reuter's) features company profiles on leading global companies, containing Company & Business Description, History, Key Employees, Products & Services, Top competitors listing, Company View, Locations & Subsidiaries, SWOT analysis and Products & Services analysis. Also contains Industry Profiles, presenting the most important facts on key global vertical industries including: Overview & Size, Segmentation, Competitive Landscape, Leading Companies, Definitions & Key Terms and Forecasts. Country Profiles give you quick access to country data points, trends and analysis, including: A description of the country's economic performance and GDP, an assessment of the potential for development, detailed market and industry analysis of the country's business environment. Lexis-Nexis includes current company, industry and market, government, legal, medical, biographical, information. Look here for SEC reports and filings, Hoover's company reports, stock reports and more. 4,500+ titles. Mergent Online - Mergent Online offers a suite of information resources that enables in-depth business and financial research. Features U.S. and international company data and annual reports; financial ratios data, industry reports covering North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe and more. Morningstar.com Library Edition - Morningstar is a premier investment database providing insight on stocks, mutual funds, variable annuities, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, separate accounts, and 529 college savings plans. The database features the independent opinions of Morningstar analysts on 1,000 stocks and 2,000 funds. Morningstar currently tracks more than 100,000 investment offerings worldwide. 4

5 Net Library features full-text electronic books (ebooks). There are several ebook collections available to CLU students and faculty. The Library Collection contains books that CLU has purchased for its patrons to use. The Public Collection contains public ebooks that NetLibrary has made available to all subscribing institutions. You will need to set up a user account. Rand California - RAND California is a subscription-based service on California and U.S. public policy issues with an emphasis on statistics. RAND California is sponsored by RAND, the nation's leading think tank. Reuters Business Insight Unlimited - Strategic analysis reports authored by independent experts on the following key market sectors: Consumer Markets, Healthcare, Energy, Financial Services, and Technology. Style & Citation Guides Library Research Tips Statistical Universe - CIS Statistical Universe offers the world's most comprehensive access to statistical information from Congressional Information Service, Inc. The service allows users to search summaries of statistical publications, then link to the full-text of selected publications on Statistical Universe and government Web sites Online: A Reference Guide to Using Internet Sources is a very useful source for guidelines and examples on citing online sources using APA, MLA and Chicago Style. URL: Follow these eight steps for effective library research: 1. Identify and define your research topic. State your topic as a question. Identify the main concepts or keywords in your question. 2. Find Background Information Start with encyclopedias, handbooks and other reference sources for an overview of your subject. Look for relevant bibliographies at the end of chapters. 3. Search the Library catalog for relevant books For best results, do keyword searches Jot down citation information and call numbers 4. Search ProQuest, WilsonSelect for current articles. 5

6 5. Supplement your research with Internet sources. 6. Evaluate what you find. Determine the intended audience Look for objectivity, bias. Consider coverage, timeliness Examine the author s writing style Look for evaluative reviews if the source is a book. 7. Use MLA, APA or other style to properly cite your research. The Library website offers links to style guides and samples. Evaluating Information 8. Always ask a librarian if you need assistance with the research process. Evaluating your information is one of the most important tasks you will do in your research. This is especially true when you are working with electronic resources and Web-based information. Ask some or all of these questions when evaluating information: 1. Is there any biographical information about the author given? 2. What are the author s qualifications and authority? 3. Who is the intended audience? 4. Does the author try to build on past research? 5. Is the objective or purpose of the article/web site clearly stated? 6. Does the author define any terms? 7. Are references given (footnotes or bibliography)? 8. What are the author s major findings or conclusions? 9. How timely is the information? (If the source is a Web site, when was it last updated?) 10. Does the source provide contact information? 6

7 Need Additional Assistance? Contact Us The Information Systems and Services (ISS) Department & are committed to helping you with all of your information needs. Contact us anytime for assistance: Henri Mondschein Business Librarian (805) Computer Help Desk (805) Reference Desk (805) Circulation Desk (805) Interlibrary Loan (805)