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Researching Industry Information

Updated: July 31, 2006
[Before You Begin Your Research] [General Industry Sources] [Industry Reports] [Internet Portals] [Industry Norms and Ratios] [Trade and Professional Associations] [Legal and Regulatory Issues] [Periodical Articles and Statistics]

This guide is intended to serve as a starting point for researching industry information using both print and electronic resources available through the University at Albany Libraries. Call numbers for print materials listed here are for materials located in the University Library. Call numbers beginning with the prefix “Ref” are in the Reference area on the first floor, and those with the prefix “RBR” are at the Reserve Desk on the basement level.

Please note:  databases having the Accessible to University at Albany users only icon can only be accessed from off campus if you are a registered library borrower.  You must have a SUNY card issued by the University at Albany AND currently be affiliated with the university as faculty, staff or student. For more information on accessing these resources remotely, see Off-Campus Access to Databases and Online Journals.

Many more resources are available than are covered here. More business-related Internet web sites are linked from the Business Internet Resources page, and the Business Key Resources page links additional business subscription databases available for University at Albany library borrowers. If you would like more assistance, please contact a reference librarian.

Before You Begin Your Research

Define the Industry

Industries are classified in many ways, and it will simplify your research if you first determine the scope of the business activity you wish to examine. Often, your need for data may include only a single product or a small range of products. However, many standard resources for industry information may define an industry based on broader critera, such as SIC or NAICS codes. For example, you may wish to locate market information about pretzels, yet most relevant industry reports may be based on SIC code 2052, "Cookies and Crackers," which also covers pretzels.

Finding the Appropriate SIC and NAICS Codes
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes provide a mechanism for classifying like businesses together and for identifying industry norms. Because companies may be involved in more than one type of business activity, they may have more than one SIC code. Search the 1987 SIC manual:
Standard Industrial Classification Search

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes are being phased in to replace SIC codes, but many standard reference works still use the SIC codes. You can look up NAICS codes and convert SIC codes to NAICS codes at:
North American Industry Classification

General Industry Sources

Start your industry research with these tools.

Industry Reports

These sources provide research reports on various industries.

Internet Portals

There are a variety of industry-specific portals on the Internet which can be useful for business research. Portals may provide news and other content and may link to companies and associations involved with the industry.

Industry Norms and Ratios

These sources provide comparative information to help you analyze a company's performance relative to the industry.

Trade and Professional Associations

Trade and professional organizations exist for nearly every industry. These organizations often collect and publish valuable data about their members' areas of interest. Some organizations will share information with the public, but others make data available only to members. Local meetings of these organizations provide excellent networking opportunities.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

The legal and regulatory climate in which an industry operates can be very complex. Businesses are subject to federal, state, local and agency laws and regulations. In some cases, a facility's environmental compliance history may be of public record. Some of these sources may help you understand the issues surrounding an industry.

Periodical Articles and Statistics

Articles published in journals, newsletters and trade publications to cover industry developments. Many additional electronic databases which index business periodicals can be found on the Business Key Resources page. For additional sources of industry statistics, see the listing under Industry Reports above.
This page is maintained by Mary K. Van Ullen.
Comments to mvanullen@uamail.albany.edu