Business News: Business Resources & Help from Your Library

Welcome to the Deschutes Public Library’s business newsletter. As our region has grown, so has the business community, with more business start-ups per capita than anywhere else in Oregon. This quarterly newsletter features business resources and services available at your library and beyond. Discover new books and online resources from the library, plus other information about library partners and featured websites. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please share and encourage them to subscribe.

Visit Our Business Resources Page

Mastering Data Research: Utilizing Reliable Sources and Library Resources

Identifying a viable market for your product or service is paramount when crafting business and marketing plans. Understanding your customers and competitors is crucial at this stage.

Finding credible information can be challenging. While many turn to Google for quick searches, the reliability and currency of such data can be uncertain. It's essential to scrutinize the source of information carefully. Fortunately, numerous reliable sources are available, including trade associations, government publications at state and federal levels, dedicated market research platforms, and more. However, the abundance of these resources can be overwhelming.

The Deschutes Public Library offers a valuable solution. Through subscription resources curated from reputable sources, the library provides easy-to-navigate websites that compile pertinent data. Additionally, the library curates authoritative websites on our Business Resources page. For personalized assistance, the library also offers individualized research services.

Navigating through the vast array of data sources can be daunting. Consider utilizing the Deschutes Public Library’s Book-a-Librarian service if you require assistance. Through this service, librarians conduct thorough research and provide personalized consultations via phone or in-person meetings. To schedule an appointment, call 541-617-7080 or complete the form online at www.deschuteslibrary.org/ask.

AtoZ Databases

Explore the wealth of consumer lifestyle information with AtoZ Databases. This powerful tool compiles extensive data on demographics, purchasing behaviors, and lifestyle preferences. AtoZ Databases features user-friendly search capabilities and detailed reports, perfect for market research, enabling businesses to gain deep insights into consumer trends and make informed strategic decisions. Access AtoZ on the library’s Business Resource page with your library card.

Data USA

Data USA provides users free access to extensive datasets across various topics such as demographics, economics, education, and healthcare. Economic topics include industries, occupations, and products and services. Utilizing user-friendly tools, Data USA facilitates the exploration, comparison, and visualization of data to support informed decision-making and research.

Around the Web

What is Data in Business?

Indeed, viewed 6/26/2024

This article explores the importance of business data in decision-making, customer satisfaction, revenue growth, problem-solving, and process optimization. It covers types of data used, including consumer, analytics, inventory, product, marketing, and employee data.

Best of Biz Book List

Looking for inspiration as you plan and grow your business? Check out these business and leadership books from your local business librarian Liisa Sjoblom. Follow the list and check back monthly for new recommendations. This month’s featured title is Best Story Wins by Mark Edwards.

About the Author

Have you ever considered starting your own business but aren't sure where to begin? Community Librarian Liisa has 25 years of experience serving businesses and nonprofits through research and referrals. She entered library-land through a library assistant position at an academic library. After six years, she went off to graduate school and later found her place at Deschutes Public Library. Her working days are devoted to helping nonprofits with grant research and assisting entrepreneurs in fulfilling their dreams of business ownership, providing excellent customer service along the way. “The best part of working with both communities is attending their meetings and networking opportunities to listen and learn what is affecting their work, both short-term and long-term,” says Liisa. She helps with DPL programs like Book-a-Librarian, which is tailored to meet the customer’s needs. “I am one of the rare librarians who is an extrovert. Give me time to network with others and I thrive.”

Thanks for reading and, again, please share with anyone else who you think would benefit from this information. If you have questions or suggestions about the business resources at your library, feel free to email liisas@deschuteslibrary.org.