The library provides access to a couple research tools that you can use to find industry information and market analysis. It is helpful if you know and use the NAICS Code for your industry to find reports and other information. The NAICS Codes box below has more information on how to find the correct code to use.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. Companies choose NAICS/SIC codes at their own discretion, which means that a particular code may not truly capture all companies in that industry. In addition, different database providers may apply the codes differently. This means you will often find different companies listed in different products.
To search NAICS codes:
1. Go to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) web site. While you are looking for global/non-US information, you need to know a NAICS code number since that is how the information is organized in Business Source Complete.
2. Search for your industry by entering your keyword(s) into the 2017 NAICS Search box on the left side of the main NAICS web page.
3. Browse through the the industry descriptions returned. The 6 digit hyperlinked number is the NAICS code. You can get a description of that industry by clicking on the number. Write down the NAICS code that best matches your industry.
As an example, if you search for hot dogs you will find four entries that refer to three different NAICS codes. By clicking on 311611 you can read the description for the Animal (except poultry) Slaughtering industry and see listing of cross-references to related industries.