Library Databases

Published: January 31, 2011
Updated: February 9, 2023

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.

  • Global thermal insulation market Size Is expected to reach $34,855 million by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.40%, according to a new report. (2023, Jan 25). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Roof cladding market worth USD 119.13 bn by 2029 market variables, trends & scope, roofing materials value chain analysis, regulatory framework and business environment analysis: Roof cladding market was valued at USD 82.5 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach USD 119.13 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7 % during the forecast period (2022-2029). (2023, Jan 18). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Roofing materials market to reach $189.2 billion by 2030 - report explores rising demand for waterproofing roofing materials. (2023, Jan 17). Financial Services Monitor Worldwide. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • ReNew roofing revolutionizes the roof repair industry with quality, honesty, and an unbridled passion for helping small communities. (2023, Jan 09). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Waterproofing chemicals market will worth to USD 69.13 billion by 2029 & it will grow at a CAGR of 11% till 2029 : GreyViews: Waterproofing chemicals market size by product type (bitumen, TPO, EPDM, elastomers, polymers, and PVC), by application (waste & water management, floors & basements, roofing & walls, and tunnel liners), regions, segmentation, and forecast till 2029. (2022, Dec 08). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Roofing market to reach US$ 322 bn by the end of 2031: TMR study: High demand in all residential, commercial, and industrial applications expected to propel industry growth during the forecast period. (2022, Dec 05). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • A.T. Pioneer Roofing celebrates over 5 years in business in corpus christi, texas. (2022, Nov 01). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Eagle Merchant Partners makes play in commercial roofing market with eskola roofing & waterproofing investment. (2022, Oct 31). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Liquid roofing global market report 2022: Major players in the liquid roofing market are Akzonobel NV, BASF SE, GAF materials, the DOW Chemical Company, The 3M Company. (2022, Sep 22). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Lumber, cement, roofing and other building materials distributors (wholesale distribution) industry (U.S.) analytics, extensive financial benchmarks, metrics and revenue forecasts to 2029, NAIC 423300 published september 15, 2022. (2022). (). Houston: Plunkett Research, Ltd. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • Green building materials market worth USD 939.79 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12% - report by market research future (MRFR): Green building materials market insights and industry analysis by application (residential, commercial, infrastructure, industrial) by end-use (exterior siding, interior finishing, insulation, framing, roofing and others) and region, competitive market size, share, trends, and forecast to 2030. (2022, Sep 13). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • The global roofing insulation adhesives market is expected to grow by $ 737.07 mn during 2022-2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.18% during the forecast period: Global roofing insulation adhesives market 2022-2026 the analyst has been monitoring the roofing insulation adhesives market and it is poised to grow by $ 737. 07 mn during 2022-2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 7. (2022, Sep 07). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
  • North America polycarbonate sheets market size worth $263.61 million by 2030 | CAGR: 3.82%: AMR: Significant surge in the demand for roofing application, modern building wall, decoration of commercial building, and others in the constructions sector, increase in the adoption of polycarbonate sheets as a substitute to glass due its impeccable transparency and durability, and remarkable growth of the automobile industry are expected to drive the growth of the north america polycarbonate sheets market. (2022, Jun 27). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. 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.

 

BCC Research Centre

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.

Publishes 250 reports annually that are complete with market intelligence, five-year forecasts, statistical and analytical data, key players, market share, industry structure and dynamics, and technological shifts and trends.

  • BCC Research Centre. (2022, August). Roofing Market Global 2022. [Report Code MKB961A.] Retrieved from BCC Research Centre. 
  • BCC Research Centre. (2022, December).Building-Integrated Photovoltaics: Technologies and Global Markets. [Report Code EGY072E.] Retrieved from BCC Research Centre. 
  • BCC Research Centre. (2019, April). Coatings for Commercial and Residential Roofing.. [Report Code AVM076B.] Retrieved from BCC Research Centre.  
  • BCC Research Centre. (2018, July). Residential Roofing: The North American Market. [Report Code AVM070D.] Retrieved from BCC Research Centre. 
  • BCC Research Centre. (2017, June). Commercial Roofing: The North American Market. [Report Code AVM071C.] Retrieved from BCC Research Centre. 

 

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.

  • Nicholson, S. (2022). Part ‘L’ of a Milestone for Roofing Industry. Builders Merchants Journal, 34. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Milligan, E. (2019). Tesla to Launch Solar Roof Business in Europe Next Year. Bloomberg.Com, N.PAG. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Craats, R. (2019). SUNIK ROOFING: an Industry Pioneer. Business in Calgary, 29(4), 79–76. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Barnes Reports: Hardware Stores Industry (NAICS 44413) Product Line: Roofing (all types), including roofing s. (2018). United States Hardware Stores Industry Report, 1–89. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • B. M. J. (2018). Roofing: Market Opportunities and Challenges for 2018. Builders Merchants Journal, 14–15. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Peters, A. (2022). Nailable Solar Roof Shingles. Fast Company, 250, 74–75. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Thermoslate Solar Thermal System Integrates Unseen Into Slate Roof. (2016). FRPT- Energy Snapshot, 9–11. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
  • Kloepple, S. (2019). 4 Ways Your Roof Can Earn LEED Certification Credits. Buildings, 113(10), 15. 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.

  • (2023).Nonresidential building construction - quarterly update 1/23/2023. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
  • (2023). Roofing, siding & sheet metal contractors - quarterly update 1/17/2023. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
  • (2023). Plastic, resin, and synthetic fiber manufacturing - quarterly update 1/17/2023. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
  • (2023). Residential construction contractors - quarterly update 12/19/2022. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.

 

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. (2023, January). Roofing Contractors in Canada / CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 33816CA / CONSTRUCTION IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
  • Kanda, S. (2022, August).Roofing, Siding, and Insulation Wholesaling in Canada \ CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 41639CA / CONSTRUCTION IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
  • Clark, C. (2023, January). Roofing Contractors in the US / US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 23816 / CONSTRUCTION. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
  • Curtis, W. (2022, August). Roofing, Siding, and Insulation Wholesaling in the US \ US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 42333 / CONSTRUCTION. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
  • Curtis, W. (2022, November). Sheet-Metal Roofing Manufacturing in the US /  US SPECIALIZED INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT OD5824 / SPECIALIST ENGINEERING, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND CONTRACTORS. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.

 

Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus

How to access: Check your local public or academic library to see about access. If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

While you can search this website only some Canadian libraries provide full-text access to the market research reports on industries and demographics for North American industries. They can range from 50 to 400+ pages in length, and contain charts, tables, and graphs, and key facts. Marketresearch.com has varied industry coverage and includes US and international information.

  • Freedonia Focus Reports. (2019, February). Roofing: Canada. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
  • Freedonia Focus Reports. (2021, November). Roofing: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
  • Freedonia Focus Reports. (2020, September). Residential Roofing: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
  • Freedonia Focus Reports. (2021, November). Metal Roofing: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
  • Freedonia Focus Reports. (2021, November).  Low-Slope Roofing: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
  • Freedonia Focus Reports. (2021, November). Commercial Roofing: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic 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.

  • (2023).Nonresidential building construction - quarterly update 1/23/2023. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
  • (2023). Roofing, siding & sheet metal contractors - quarterly update 1/17/2023. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
  • (2023). Plastic, resin, and synthetic fiber manufacturing - quarterly update 1/17/2023. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
  • (2023). Residential construction contractors - quarterly update 12/19/2022. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.

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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.

  • Statista Research Department. (2022, July 27). Leading exterior feature upgrades among homeowners who renovated in Canada in 2017. Houzz. Retrieved from Statista database. 
  • Statista Research Department. (2021, September 30). Industry revenue of asphalt paving, roofing and saturated materials manufacturing in Canada 2012-2024. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database. 
  • Statista Research Department. (2022, July 27).Leading home improvement projects in the United States 2020. HomeAdvisor. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Statista Research Department. (2022, July 27). Top home service projects in the United States in 2020, by share of households. HomeAdvisor. Retrieved from Statista database.
  • Statista Research Department. (2022, November 4).Top material shortages reported by commercial construction contractors in the United States from 2nd quarter 2020 to 4th quarter 2021. US Chamber of Commerce. 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.

  • (2022). Owens Corning: Annual roof deployment project exceeds its goal of helping 300th veteran. SABRE Awards. Retrieved from WARC 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.

  • Baum, K. B.; Thanh, H. T. (2023, January 30). As tornadoes in Canada get more destructive, momentum builds for new building codes to save homes. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.