Did you know you've got an information goldmine right in your community?
By Adam
March 17, 2010
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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By Donna Marrin
It’s called “the Public Library” and it’s one of the few places left on this planet filled to capacity with FREE goods and services. I’ll use links to my own local library to show you some of what they have available.
Loaded With Business Resources
Think it’s just a place to do homework or pick up the latest Stephen King novel? Think again. Your community library is an invaluable resource tool for any small business owner—a source of local area business directories, how-to books, legal aids, magazines and newspapers, low-fee or free business seminars; books on business theory, management, marketing, sales, leadership and time management.
The reference area offers directories containing a wealth of information: Canadian Key Business Directory; Canadian Subsidy Directory, Canadian Trade Index; Directory of Retail Chains in Canada; Exporter’s Encyclopedia, Financial Post Markets—Canadian Demographics; Fraser’s Canadian Trade Directory; Guide to Canadian Manufacturers; Market Research Handbook; National Services Directory; Scott’s Directories.
From your home office, you can access your local library’s online database to discover an extensive business research collection, including Canadian Business and Current Affairs, Career Cruising, The Small Business Resource Centre and Reference Canada. Their netLibrary eBook collection offers downloadable audio or ebooks covering all areas of business, marketing, leadership, accounting, e-commerce, economics, finance, careers, computer technology and much more.
Some of the reference directories you’ll be able to find: Canadian Key business Directory; Canadian Subsidy Directory, Canadian Trade Index; Directory of Retail Chains in Canada; Exporter’s Encyclopedia, Financial Post Markets—Canadian Demographics; Fraser’s Canadian Trade Directory; Guide to Canadian Manufacturers; Market Research Handbook; National Services Directory; Scott’s Directories.
A number of Canadian government links are also provided on the library database when you need to locate general information; start-up information; business plan development; information about incorporating a business; marketing information; financing; hiring; business research; exporting; research services.
Need a break from the routine? The library is one of the most relaxing places to escape to. Most have lounge-type areas filled with comfy chairs, where you can grab a magazine or newspaper and read without interruption. You’ll find a variety of different business magazines as well as several daily newspapers.
All this at your fingertips—and it doesn’t cost a dime.
How often do you visit your local library?
Donna Marrin is a freelance Senior Writer/Editor specializing in corporate communications and advertising. She also founded and runs the Markham Village Writers. You can visit their website at www.markhamvillagewriters.com
It’s called “the Public Library” and it’s one of the few places left on this planet filled to capacity with FREE goods and services. I’ll use links to my own local library to show you some of what they have available.
Loaded With Business Resources
Think it’s just a place to do homework or pick up the latest Stephen King novel? Think again. Your community library is an invaluable resource tool for any small business owner—a source of local area business directories, how-to books, legal aids, magazines and newspapers, low-fee or free business seminars; books on business theory, management, marketing, sales, leadership and time management.
The reference area offers directories containing a wealth of information: Canadian Key Business Directory; Canadian Subsidy Directory, Canadian Trade Index; Directory of Retail Chains in Canada; Exporter’s Encyclopedia, Financial Post Markets—Canadian Demographics; Fraser’s Canadian Trade Directory; Guide to Canadian Manufacturers; Market Research Handbook; National Services Directory; Scott’s Directories.
From your home office, you can access your local library’s online database to discover an extensive business research collection, including Canadian Business and Current Affairs, Career Cruising, The Small Business Resource Centre and Reference Canada. Their netLibrary eBook collection offers downloadable audio or ebooks covering all areas of business, marketing, leadership, accounting, e-commerce, economics, finance, careers, computer technology and much more.
Some of the reference directories you’ll be able to find: Canadian Key business Directory; Canadian Subsidy Directory, Canadian Trade Index; Directory of Retail Chains in Canada; Exporter’s Encyclopedia, Financial Post Markets—Canadian Demographics; Fraser’s Canadian Trade Directory; Guide to Canadian Manufacturers; Market Research Handbook; National Services Directory; Scott’s Directories.
A number of Canadian government links are also provided on the library database when you need to locate general information; start-up information; business plan development; information about incorporating a business; marketing information; financing; hiring; business research; exporting; research services.
Need a break from the routine? The library is one of the most relaxing places to escape to. Most have lounge-type areas filled with comfy chairs, where you can grab a magazine or newspaper and read without interruption. You’ll find a variety of different business magazines as well as several daily newspapers.
All this at your fingertips—and it doesn’t cost a dime.
How often do you visit your local library?
Donna Marrin is a freelance Senior Writer/Editor specializing in corporate communications and advertising. She also founded and runs the Markham Village Writers. You can visit their website at www.markhamvillagewriters.com