LibGuides: Business Database Tutorials LibGuide: Start Here

What is a LibGuide?

What is a LibGuide?

Think of a LibGuide as a "digital handout" that pulls together specific information in one convenient place.

How do I use a LibGuide?

LINK to LibGuide PAGES which are stacked in the column on the left. Some PAGES may have subpages stacked below the main page. Page BOXES will also appear below the main page. Click on a box or..

SCROLL down a PAGE to view LibGuide BOXES

Ask-a-Librarian

Reach out to a librarian if you have any questions about finding information in the library databases. Use the Ask-a-Librarian button at the left, or check beneath my profile pic below to see if I'm online for a Chat or feel free to reach out to me via email as well! I'm happy to help!

Short Video: How to Use Western Library's Website

How to Navigate Western Library Databases

This short video tutorial below explains how to use Western Library's databases for your Business Research needs, as well as for assignments you'll encounter in your other courses.

Western Library Databases for Business Research - An Overview

web search icon A database is a collection of online information resources - articles, films, images, data, statistics, etc.

Western Library databases provide articles from newspapers, magazines, trade journals, scholarly journals, books, and streaming video on a wide variety of subjects. Databases are subscriptions purchased by both college and public libraries, and made freely available to students and the general public with a student ID or public library card.

Databases such as Academic Search Premier, MasterFile Complete, Academic OneFile, General OneFile, and Films on Demand are examples of multiple-subject databases that contain information on a wide range of subjects and topics.
Subject specific databases, like Western's business databases, contain industry and company histories, reports, rankings, and profiles, as well as articles, case studies, charts, financial data, statistics, and legal issues.

Databases save you time and energy! Since anyone can publish a website on Google it can be difficult to find credible information suitable for a research project. Library databases contain vetted, fact-checked, and credible information created by trustworthy professionals and experts.

You will notice similarities among databases. Most EBSCO databases look and function identically, as do most Gale databases, and most ProQuest databases.

Database Filters and Tools

All databases have the following features: (look for them in left or right columns or at the top of the page)

Tools - search boxes (basic, advanced), cite tools, a way to email, send, or share, a list of source types related to a search (number of academic journals, magazines, newspapers, videos, etc), a print tool, permalink.
Filters. Often a search results in hundred or thousands of articles. Use the Filters to narrow your results
- Full Text - check third filter to show only titles that also have complete articles, rather than just a summary.
- Date or date range filters - these may refer to publication or copyright dates.
- Source Type: use this filter to choose the what type of article you want to see - newspaper, magazine, academic journal, etc. Filter out the source types you don't want to see. For example,for a research project you may need a scholarly article from an academic journal. By checking the Academic Journal box or link -- you will be shown only scholarly articles.
- Filters will be located on ether the left, right, or top of the page, depending on the database.

NOTE: You will be prompted to enter your Western ID to login to a database.

Best Bet Databases for Business Research are Listed Below

NOTE: From the left column, link to tutorials that provide more details about how to search and find information in each of these database.

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Use this database as the first step in your research process. It contains short articles from encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks and other reference sources on a wide range of subjects. Get started on your assignment or research project by learning about key people, places, dates, events, concepts, and ideas related to your topic.
Business Insights: Global (Gale) This link opens in a new window
A business research database that provides tools for finding information about industries and companies including their histories, SWOT analyses, investment, financial and market share reports, and industry essays. Access comparison charts and case studies to learn practical business skills and decision-making strategies. Find current news, statistical data, and in-depth reports. Set up searches by country, state, city, SIC and NAICS codes, revenue, and number of employees.
Business (Gale OneFile) This link opens in a new window
Business students and faculty will find full-text coverage in the fields of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management and strategy, and business theory and practice. Business and trade publications are updated daily to reflect the activities of companies and industries worldwide. In addition, this database provides access to a selection of international, U.S., and regional news publications. Includes Gale’s visual Topic Finder tool.
Business Source Premier (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window
This is the business industry’s most used research database. Find articles, economic reports, company profiles, industry reports, and videos from business publications in areas such as marketing, management, accounting, and finance.
Nexis Uni (LexisNexis) This link opens in a new window
Find credible sources related to business and legal topics. Access local, regional, and national newspapers, magazines, and journals, as well television and radio broadcasts. Search state and federal legal cases, statutes, and Supreme Court decisions. Locate business information on millions of U.S. and international companies, and their top executives.
ReferenceSolutions This link opens in a new window
A premier source for business and consumer research data. Contains detailed information on over 15 million companies and over 260 million consumers. Every record can be exported to spreadsheets. A great source for entrepreneurship activities, marketing projects, demographics research, and students seeking employment.

Ask-a-Librarian
Need help finding articles or information for an assignment? Use this link or email a librarian directly by clicking the link beneath the profile pic. You will receive same day or next morning replies Monday-Friday.