Library Databases

Published: June 14, 2022
Updated: June 20, 2022

Library Databases

The Expensive World Of Business Information

Believe it or not, you cannot find everything on Google! Have you ever done an online search and found the perfect industry report only to find that it costs over $5,000? Did you know that libraries pay for many expensive databases that could be helpful in your secondary market research? 

Search engines like Google can only provide direct access to freely available information. Most of the web, including business information, lives in databases behind expensive paywalls. This paywall-protected section of the Internet is known as the deep web. Fortunately, some libraries pay to subscribe to databases so they can provide free access to their patrons — and many business databases can contain useful information such as articles, market research, and company reports.

There are several strategies you can use to access relevant business information on the deep web. First, we urge you to look up what business resources your local public or academic library can provide access to. Each database has its own arrangement, with unique interfaces and search features. It helps to know the structure and search terms of the specific database you are working with in order to retrieve effective results. 

Also, it is important to know that library databases are restricted by specific usage agreements. It can help to consult with a librarian if you have trouble navigating a specific database. They may also be able to help you find comparable information elsewhere. Libraries with robust business collections might have useful e-books, directories and trade journals. As you conduct your secondary market research you will likely need to consult both free and deep web resources.

For more information about how and why to use business databases, check out our video tutorial, Module Four: Conducting Your Industry Research.


 

UBC Library Business Databases

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you may have access to business databases through the David Lam Management Research Library and Canaccord Learning Commons through the links below.

Full Listing By Title or Full Listing By Subject

There are two different ways to identify databases: Use "by title" if you already know the name; otherwise you can search the list "by subject" to find starting places for undertaking market research, finding articles or researching companies. To learn more about how you can access library resources if you are a community user or temporary visitor, check out the UBC Library Community Users & Visitors Guide. Community users and temporary visitors may have additional access restrictions to specific databases because of license agreements.

 

Provincial Library Database Partners

How to access: Check out the database list and note the License Participants to find out which institutions have access. Otherwise, contact your local post-secondary library to see what they offer.

BC Electronic Library Network (ELN) Research Databases

ELN licenses databases with partner academic libraries. These include LexisNexis, Canadian Newsstream, Hoovers, CBCA Business, ABI/INFORM Complete and others that may be of interest to business researchers.

 

ABI/INFORM Collection

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Created by ProQuest this database contains full-text articles from over 1,000 business magazines and journals that track business conditions, trends, management techniques, corporate strategies, and industry-specific topics.

  • The U.S. floral gifting market to grow at a CAGR of 6.13% during the forecast period.: In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this U. S. Floral Gifting Market Report. The U. S. floral gifting market to grow at a CAGR of 6. 13% during the forecast period. (2022, February 10). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

  • The US Floral Gifting Market Size to Reach $17.02 Billion by 2027. FTD Companies, 1-800-Flowers.com, Teleflora, and From You Flowers Dominates the Market – Arizton: The floral gifting market in the U.S. was valued at $11.91 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $17.02 billion by 2027. (2022, February 9). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

  • U.S. Floral Gifting Market to Reach Revenues of Over $17 Billion by 2025 - Arizton. (2020, June 2). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

  • Smart, A. (2022, February 12). Flower supply chain issues prompt some B.C. buyers to look local. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 
  • (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Floral designers. Washington: U.S. Superintendent of Documents. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

  • Eley, J., and Nilsson, P. (2021, May 4). Pandemic helps online flower market to bloom: Retail & consumer. Financial Times. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

  • Szklarski, C. (2020, Feb 14). Flower-lovers tackle waste, push industry towards sustainable measures. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 
  • Larson, P. D. (2021, Feb 12). Valentine's day: COVID-19 wilted the flower industry, but sustainability still a thorny issue. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
  • (2022, Feb 10). Supporting flower growers to strengthen market access and spur future growth. PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

  • Nursery Planters and Pots Market Size ($1,956.21Mn by 2028) Growth Forecast at 3.2% CAGR During 2021 to 2028 COVID Impact and Global Analysis by TheInsightPartners.com: The Nursery Planters and Pots Market Size and Growth impelled by growing demand for nursery planters and pots from the residential sector, growth of greenhouse and nursery industries. (2021, October 13). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.

  • Government of Canada supports growth for Canada's nursery and landscape industry. (2022, Mar 21). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
  • Nursery Industry Takes A Breath. (2020). Western Fruit Grower, 140(11), 13-14. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 

 

Mergent Online

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Provides access to US and international public company data. This database also contains data on companies that were acquired, went bankrupt, liquidated or merged out of existence from 1995 forward. Users can compare companies and export data into programs like Excel.

 

Business Source Ultimate

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource. Otherwise, contact your local library to see if they provide access.

Includes financial data, books, videos, company profiles, SWOT analyses, industry profiles, country reports, market research reports and case studies. Also includes information on industry trends, forecasts, outlooks, competitors, how to run a specific business and much more.

  • (2021). A Florist Helps to Maximize Value, Match Mood. Special Events Galore, 21(7), 8. 
  • (2021). Delivery apps expand reach to meet customer demands. (2021). FRPT- Infrastructure Snapshot, 1. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
  • Marchese, J. (2021). Proper Refrigeration Required for Preservation of Fresh Cut Flowers. Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, 272(2), 18–19. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
  • Conti, S. (2022). Dries Van Noten on the Power of Flowers: The designer has teamed with Mytheresa on a capsule collection inspired by India’s Holi festival, and spring blooms. WWD: Women’s Wear Daily, 13. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
  • (2022). Trends in Getting Gift Sales Flourishing at Florists. Souvenirs, Gifts, & Novelties, 61(2), 62–64. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
  • King, R. (2020). The founder of wedding florist startup Poppy on going into business for yourself. Fortune.Com. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
  • Parks, C. (2021). A Blossoming Industry. Bloomberg Businessweek, 4706, 59–61. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
  • Konjoian, P., & Dolce, J. (2021). How Can the Horticulture Industry Thrive in a Post-Pandemic Environment? GPN: Greenhouse Product News, 31(6), 14–15. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Barnes Reports: Nursery, Garden Center & Farm Supply Stores (NAICS 44422). (2019). United States Nursery, Garden Center & Farm Supply Stores Industry Report, 1–196. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.

 

First Research Industry Profiles

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, or faculty you can access many of these reports through ABI/INFORM and/or Business Market Research Collection (Proquest).

Covers over 900 industry segments. Updated on a quarterly basis, these industry profiles contain critical analysis, statistics and forecasts to help you engage key prospects, coach key clients, and deepen customer relationships. You can search for reports by NAICS, SIC or keyword or browse by category.

  • (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 11/1/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
  • (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 5/17/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
  • (2022) Nursery and Floriculture Production - Quarterly Update 2/21/2022. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
  • (2021) Nursery and Floriculture Production- Quarterly Update 11/15/2021. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
  • Szklarski, C. (2020, Feb 14). Flower-lovers tackle waste, push industry towards sustainable measures. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
  • Translated by Content Engine, L. L. C. (2021, Oct 03). Flower sales abroad grew 38% being the largest buyers the U.S., Netherlands and Canada. CE Noticias Financieras Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.

 

IBISWorld Industry Reports

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

IBISWorld research is an independent, professional publisher of high-quality market research reports. These reports analyze the underlying structure and external forces that drive an industry.

  • Buchko, M. Florists in Canada. (2021, December). Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 43511CA | Retail Trade in Canada. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • Rose, A. (2021, October). Florists in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 43511 | Retail Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • McGrath, S. (2021, April). Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada. Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 41113CA | Wholesale Trade in Canada. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • Thomas, B. (2021, July). Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 42493 | Wholesale Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • Buchko, M. (2020, December). Plant & Flower Growing in Canada. Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 11142CA | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • Madigan, J. (2021, August). Plant & Flower Growing in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 11142 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • Thomas, B. (2020, November). Online Flower Shops in the US. US Specialized Industry (NAICS) Report OD5069 | Online Retail Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
  • Khaustovich, V. (2021, July). Landscape Design in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 54132 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.

 

Business Market Research Collection (Proquest)

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Business Market Research Collection brings together four sources to help students more easily conduct the research they need to produce business plans, marketing plans, startup plans, market growth analysis, and strategic and financial plans. Includes access to: Hoover's Company Profiles, OxResearch, Barnes Reports, and the older Snapshots Series, which includes market research overviews on over 40 industries and 40 countries to 2008.

  • (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 11/1/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 
  • (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 5/17/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 
  • (2022) Nursery and Floriculture Production - Quarterly Update 2/21/2022. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 
  • (2021) Nursery and Floriculture Production- Quarterly Update 11/15/2021. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 

 

Statista

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.

  • Tighe, D. (2021, April 1). Number of florists in Canada in December 2020, by employment size. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Tighe, D. (2021, April 1). Number of florists in Canada by region 2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Simionato, C. (2022, January 14). Number of cut flowers produced in Canada from 2015-2020, by province. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Simionato, C. (2022, January 14). Sales of flowers and plants in Canada from 2010 to 2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Simionato, C. (2022, January 14). Sales of flowers and plants in Canada in 2020, by channel. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Simionato, C. (2021, April 14). Sales of cut flowers in Canada from 2010 to 2020 (in million Canadian dollars)*. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Smith, P. (2022, February 8). Monthly retail sales of miscellaneous store retailers in Canada from 2018 to 2021. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Tighe, D. (2021, June 10). Canadian plant nursery product sales by distribution channel 2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Tighe, D. (2021, June 11). Sales of garden nursery products in Canada from 2010-2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Simionato, C. (2022, February 8).Number of nursery stores and garden centers in Canada as of June 2021, by region. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.

 

WARC: World Advertising Research Center

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

WARC has case studies from major companies and advertising agencies, as well as articles from leading advertising journals and unpublished papers. It also includes company profiles, advertising spending statistics, and demographic and economic data.

  • (2021). Nippon Flower Council: Belated Congratulations With Flowers. SABRE Awards. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database. 
  • Whiteside, S. (2018). 1-800-Flowers’ emotional marketing driver: Sympathy. WARC Event Reports. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database. 
  • (2018, November 7). 1-800-Flowers finds unique emotional territory. WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
  • Whiteside, S. (2017, March). 1-800-Flowers explores conversational commerce. WARC Event Reports. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.

 

Newspapers and News Sources - UBC Library Research Guide

How to access: The guide can be viewed through the link below. Individual resources and databases will have different access requirements.

UBC Library has an excellent collection of current and historical newspapers from B.C., Canada, and around the world. UBC affiliates will have access to these resources.

  • (2022, Jan 15). Artful arrangements: Floral designers team up with artists to chase away winter blues. The Spectator. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
  • Harris, A. (2020, November 28.) West Vancouver-based florist making industry more environmentally aware. The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
  • Sklarski, C. (2020, February 14). Flower lovers tackle waste, push industry toward sustainable measures. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
  • Floral fun: ART. (2021, Jun 14). The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
  • (2022, May 4). Florist warns not to procrastinate on Mother’s Day blooms. Saanich News. Retrieved from NexisUni Database. 
  • Zacharias, C. (2022, Jan 22). Popular Ontario mail-order nursery pivots: Unprecedented demand for perennials forces a reset. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
  • Dutt, C. (2020, Apr 18). Growers, nurseries uprooted by COVID-19; pandemic delays opening of nurseries and greenhouses across the region, but stores allowed to open. Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
  • Young entrepreneurs plant seeds of ideas in Lakefield: Youth program encourages horticulture-based small businesses. (2020, Jul 20). Peterborough Examiner. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.