Searching for Business Publications
Library subscription databases contain the citations for articles in journals, magazines, and newspapers. Some contain just the citation for an article while others have the full text. Kent Library subscribes to over 80 databases. For Southeast students, faculty, and staff these databases are available (with login) wherever you have access to the web.
While some databases cover a wide range of topics, many of our databases are devoted to a particular area of study. These more focused resources are called subject databases, and Kent Library subscribes to a number that cover industries and other business related topics. Two excellent business subject databases are:
Business Source Premier (business enhanced interface)
In both databases you can search for business related articles from hundreds of journals. However, they also offer options that make it easy to limit your search to a particular publication.
To access these databases, go to the Kent Library website, select the Find: Articles link, and then select databases A-Z. Or, simply click on a database name above.
For tips and practice on searching in databases generally, use module 4 of the Kent Library Searchpath tutorial at http://library.semo.edu/searchpath/mod4/index.html
Searching within publications using ABI/Inform
Begin by reviewing how to search within this database, click "Tools: Search Tips."
Start searching by typing keywords for your topic in the search box. Identify the concepts in your search and put each in its own box. For example, if you are searching for articles on the topic of "trends in the automotive industry," input "automotive industry" in one search box and "trends" in another. You may also try synonyms, such as "car industry" for "automotive industry" or "future" in place of "trends."
► Tip: Industries can also be searched by NAICS code. Select "NAICS code" from the drop down menu next to one of the search boxes. Click on the "look up NAICS codes" link to look up codes.
Limit your results to full text by checking the "full text documents only" box, then click on "More Search Options."
In the "Publication title" box input the title of the publication that you would like to search, OR click the "Look up publications" link. From the pop-up window you can search for a publication. Click the "Add to Search" button to add the publication to your search.
► Tip: It is possible to add multiple publications to your search. Simply look up as many publications as you would like and continue to click the "Add to Search" button.
Your completed search form should look similar to this:
Run your search by clicking the search button.
Searching within publications using Business Source Premier
Start by reviewing how to search within this database, click "Search Tips".
Begin searching by typing keywords for your topic in the search box. Separate concepts and try synonyms, just as you did with ABI/Inform.
► Tip: Industries can be searched by their 6 digit NAICS code. The code can be entered in the "NAICS/Industry Code" box under "Special limiters for Business Source Premier," which is found by scrolling down at the advanced (default) search screen.
Check the "Full Text" box. Type the name of the publication that you would like to search in the "Publication" box. Note that only one publication can be searched at a time.
Run your search by clicking the "Search" button.
Business Source Premier also offers the option to browse publications. To do so click on the "Publications" link in the "Browse" box on the right of the screen.
From here you can search for specific publications using the "Browse for:" box, or you can browse through lists of titles using the alphabetical listing. Once you have found the publication that you would like to search in, click on its title. On the resulting screen it is possible to browse within the journal or magazine, just as you would with a paper copy. To search within a publication, click the "Search within this publication" link.
You are now returned to the advanced search screen. Enter your search terms and limit to full text following the instructions above, and then click the search button to look for your topic within the publication.
Searching in trade journals
Trade or professional journals focus on a particular industry or business and are a good source of industry information. To find out more about searching for trade journals please use this tutorial: http://courses.semo.edu/library/infolit/findingtradejournals.htm
Finding business information in newspapers
Using ABI/Inform it is also possible to search for articles on business topics in major newspapers, e.g., the New York Times or Wall Street Journal.
From the advanced (default) search screen click the "Databases selected:" link.
At the resulting screen check the box next to "ProQuest Newspapers". Your selection should subsequently turn yellow.
Click the "continue" button at the top of the page. You can now choose a newspaper as your publication to search in using the method outlined above.