Starting industry research begins with identifying which library resources are best for the job. Both IBIS World and Business Source Complete are excellent for this task. Both databases will retrieve industry reports when you search by name or NAICS Code. NAICS Codes will be explained down below. For any assistance with using either database, please contact your Subject Librarian.
Industry Reports
An industry report is an assessment tool that takes a comprehensive look at a market or industry. These reports will begin with an industry definition and include performance, products & markets, 5 year trends, industry rations, and more. Industry Reports can be found in both Business Source Complete and IBIS World.
Business Source Complete will lead you to the most recently published Barnes Reports. To locate these reports use the Advanced Search function to narrow down the publication Type and select Industry Profile and include either the industry name or NAICS Code. Barnes Reports will give you extensive details on the industry and
IBIS World generates their own Industry Reports. You can enter the industry' name or NAICS Code into the search bar or browse reports by selecting Industry Reports in the drop-down menu. Searching a company's name will also lead you to the appropriate report. These reports will give you helpful graphics, SWOT analyses, Geographic Breakdowns and more.
What are NAICS Codes?
NAICS, or the North American Industry Classification System, is a standardized way to classify businesses and organizations in research databases. These codes are numerical, typically 2 to 6 digits long, and categorize industries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico based on their business activities.
When do you need to use NAICS Codes?
NAICS Codes can be used for Academic and Market Research. If you're starting a business, NAICS Codes can help you analyze industry trends and market data. NAICS Codes can be entered into Business Source Complete and IBIS World to locate an industry and its subsectors. To find the NAICS Code for your search, you can head to the NAICs Association.