Getting Started
The first step in gathering industry information is to get the correct name for the industry and to find the appropriate Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code number(s). This is also a good time to familiarize yourself with NAICS which stands for North American Industry Classification System. NAICS will soon be replacing the SIC code system. Click here for help in understanding and locating SIC and NAICS numbers.
Structure of American Industry
American industry is a fascinating subject. It is complex and rapidly changing. Knowing how businesses are organized into groups, and how a particular industry developed can be a wise investment of your research time.The print sources listed below are excellent starting places. These sources do not give individual company names. Instead, they provide a picture of an industry--the products or services provided, some history, size of the industry, and the outlook for the next few years.
Pay attention to the references or source notes listed at the end of each chapter or section as these references will be very helpful in locating further information.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of books dealing with American industry. Your library may not own all of these sources, or may offer others not included here. Ask a reference librarian if you need assistance.
Handbooks and Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia of American Industries. Gale Research. 2 vols.
Volume I covers 460 manufacturing industries ranging from the large automotive and pharmaceutical industries, to smaller sectors such as porcelain electrical supplies. Volume II deals with services and nonmanufacturing industries. This is a classic work and is a great starting place for learning about industries.U.S. Industry & Trade Outlook (formerly known as U.S. Industrial Outlook)
Until 1994, this document was issued annually by the Department of Commerce. Beginning with the 1998 edition it is the result of a public-private partnership between the Department of Commerce and the McGraw-Hill Companies. The stated goal of this publication is to serve as "a single reference source that business professionals, investors, researchers, and students can use to get information on U.S. industries, how these industries affect the U.S. economy, and where they are going in an increasingly global marketplace." Click here for an overview.(Note: This document is not yet available full-text on the Web.)Inside U.S. Business: A Concise Encyclopedia of Leading Industries.
Includes 25 major industries, providing historical background, summary of competitive trends, and sources for further information. A useful source for a quick profile of a major group.Career Guide to Industries 1998-99. U.S. Department of Labor
Includes 40 industries. Provides information on the nature of the industry, working conditions, earnings and benefits, training and advancement potential, outlook, and lists of organizations that can provide additional information. Especially useful for career or job hunting information.CRB Commodity Year Book. Commodity Research Bureau. Annual.
A concise guide for historical analysis and industry profiles for 100 different commodities ranging from arsenic to zinc. Most of the products are agricultural or mineral commodities, but steel, lumber, paper, plastics and other products are also included.
Books about specific industries
Check your library's catalog or the OhioLINK Central Catalog to locate books about specific industries. Try using word or subject searches to locate books, almanacs, or encyclopedias focusing on a particular industry. Remember that not all industries are equal in terms of finding readily available published material.July 14, 2000
[ Main ] / [ Introduction ] / [ Site Map ] / [ Search Strategies ] / [ Definitions ] / [ Site Information ]
[ Company Research ] / [ Public ] / [ Subsidiaries or Divisions ] / [ International ] / [ Private ]
[ Industry Research ] / [ Overview ] / [ Structure ] / [ Profiles ] / [ Current Developments ] / [ Statistics ]
[ Course Materials ] / [ Syllabi ] / [ Library Assignments ] / [ Class Assignments ] / [ Sample Profiles ]
[ E-Mail Us ]