MeL eLibrary. Get Informed!

#BMG155

#research

#business research tools

#southeast Michigan

#business databases

#business decisions

#customer and business information source

#market research

#demographic data

#psychographic data

#data and maps

#MeL databases

#elibrary

#research databases

#Michigan elibrary

#databases for everyone

#databases for students, parents, professionals and individuals

#Michigan residents

One of the best kept secrets in town: MeL databases! MeL is an elibrary that all Michigan residents can use anywhere and anytime. The only thing that you need is your Michigan driver’s license or a Michigan library card, if you are accessing through the public library or college library. There are over 30 databases that students, parents, business professionals and individuals can access to meet their information needs. Since I often need market data, I enjoy the business research databases. Some of the more popular business databases offered by MeL are:

·         Business Decision

·         Business Insights Global

·         Demographics Now

·         Reference USA

·         Small Business Resource Center

·         InfoTrac Business Collection

·         Gale Legal Forms

Business professionals can use these resources to gather demographic and psychographic data to assist them build profiles about customers and companies to support business decisions. Below is the link to each of these resources and a brief summary of the type of information that can be accessed.

Business Decision

http://www.businessdecision.info/bd/login/login.php?mel=1&result=success

This database enables users to research customer market data, demographic data, and market segmentation data associated with geographies that can be customized to fit the user’s needs.

Business Insights Global

http://bi.galegroup.com/global/?u=lom_accessmich

Here you will find a wealth of company and industry information, such as SWOT reports, market share reports and financial reports. You can also access company history and industry essays as well as case studies, scholarly journals and business news.

Demographics Now

http://find.galegroup.com/menu/start?prod=DNOW&userGroupName=lom_accessmich

One of my personal favorites! Demographics Now is a robust and highly-detailed database that allow users to gain consumer and market insight to start, grow or expand their business. This resource can be used to find untapped audience and analyze shifts and needs changes of a given market segment.  

Reference USA

http://www.referenceusa.com/

This database is a source of business and residential information for both the United States and Canada that can be used for reference or research.

Small Business Resource Center

http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.wccnet.edu/sbrc/start.do?prodId=SBRC&userGroupName=lom_washtenawcc

Access publications on business topics, types, sample business plans, how-to guides and forms.

InfoTrac Business Collection

http://mel.org/r1905/infotrac_business_collection

Analyze company performance, industry events and trends through InfoTrac. This database provides access to nearly 4,000 business and trade publications from international, national and regional news sources.

Gale Legal Forms

http://galesupport.com/legalforms_branding/splashPage.php?loc=lom_accessmich

This database will provide users access to legal and business forms. It is recommended to check this site often as updates are made regularly in compliance with changes to state laws. Users can also local legal counsel through directories made available.

In summary, MeL eLibrary is a resource that few Michigan residents know about. These databases cover a wide variety of subject matters that different audience can utilize, particularly business professionals. Since I use MeL primarily to gather information to support business decisions I have a greater familiarity and appreciation of the business research databases. Explore your options by visiting MeL eLibrary!