Library Databases

Published: May 17, 2023

Updated: May 17, 2023

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.

Motion picture, movies, films, television (TV) programming and video production, distribution and exhibition industry (U.S.) analytics, extensive financial benchmarks, metrics and revenue forecasts to 2029, NAIC 512100 published february 10, 2023. (2023). (). Houston: Plunkett Research, Ltd. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection
Hollyland strengthens position in video production industry with enhanced wireless solution ecosystem. (2023). Telecomworldwire. Retrieved from ABI/Inform Collection.
Video production services market [2022- 2027] | industry share, size, growth factors, demand insights, on-going trends, key players, geographical segmentation, key findings, latest technology and forecast | industry research biz: Global video production services market size was valued at USD 30200.0 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.39% during the forecast period, reaching USD 48970.0 million by 2027. (2022, Nov 07). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel.Retrieved from ABI/Inform Collection.
"Vidext democratizes professional video production. it is very expensive to produce videos at the speed demanded by the market and audience.". (2022, Oct 18). CE Noticias Financieras. Retrieved from ABI/Inform Collection.
Global video production cameras market to exceed value of USD 57.92 billion by 2031; increasing demand from entertainment industry to elevate market growth – research nester: Key companies covered in the global video production cameras market research report (2022, Oct 14). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/Inform Collection.
2022 worldwide motion pictures & video production industry-industry & market report. (2021). (). Bonita Springs: Barnes Reports. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
Patel, S. (2020, May 13). Coronavirus dried up this production company's business. then it created remote shooting kits; New York-based Hayden5 says revenue has picked back up since it began offering drop-offs of sterilized video production kits. Wall Street Journal (Online). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
Digital.com announces top video production companies of 2020: Leading review website for small business owners offers in-depth guide to choosing high-quality production services for promotional videos. (2020, Oct 23). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
PluckVideo, the crowdfunding, kickstarter, indiegogo video production company launches in los angeles, california: The team behind prepdeck's $500K+ crowdfunding video has launched PluckVideo to help entrepreneurs and companies create winning kickstarter and indiegogo video productions. (2019, Jan 07). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.

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.

Barnes. (2020, October). 2021 U.S. Motion Pictures & Video Production Industry-Industry & Market Report [Report Code MBR1158A]. BCC Research. Retrieved from BCC Research database.
TBRC. (2022, September). Film And Video Market Global Briefing 2022: Ukraine-Russia War Impact. [Report Code MKB119H]. Retrieved from BCC Research database.
TBRC. (2022, May). Film And Video Market Global Briefing 2022. [Report Code MKB119G]. Retrieved from BCC Research database.
TBRC. (2020, November). Film And Video Investment Competitor Outlook 2020: Covid 19 Impact and Recovery. [Report Code MKB119E]. Retrieved from BCC Research database.

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.

Barnes Reports: Motion Pictures & Video Production Industry (NAICS 51211). (2023). United States Motion Pictures & Video Production Industry Report, 1–184. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate.
Hiter, S. (2023). Top 9 Generative AI Applications and Tools. EWeek. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate.
Steedman, R., & Brydges, T. (2023). Hustling in the creative industries: Narratives and work practices of female filmmakers and fashion designers. Gender, Work & Organization, 30(3), 793–809. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate.
Marañes, C., Gutierrez, D., & Serrano, A. (2023). Towards assisting the decision‐making process for content creators in cinematic virtual reality through the analysis of movie cuts and their influence on viewers’ behavior. International Transactions in Operational Research, 30(3), 1245–1262. Retrieved by Business Source Ultimate.

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). Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Sector - Quarterly Update 11/22/2021. First Research Industry Profiles. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
(2023). Film & Video - Quarterly Update 1/30/2023. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
(2023). Media - Quarterly Update 1/30/2023. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
(2023). TV Program Production and Distribution - Quarterly Update 1/23/2023. 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.

McGrath, S. (2021, November). Movie, TV & Video Production in Canada. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 51211CA / INFORMATION IN CANADA. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
Koronios, E. (2021, April). Video Postproduction Services in Canada. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 51219CA / INFORMATION IN CANADA. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
Pigott, M. (2022, July). Global Movie Production & Distribution. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 51211CA / INFORMATION IN CANADA. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
Wood, G. (2023, February). Movie & Video Production in the US. GLOBAL INDUSTRY REPORT Q8711-GL / OTHER GLOBAL COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
Ristoff, J. (2023, February). Video Postproduction Services in the US. US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 51219 / INFORMATION. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
Egan, S. (2021, July). Film Animation Services in the US. US SPECIALIZED INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT OD4580 / TECHNOLOGY. 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. (2023, April). Motion Pictures & Video: United States. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com database.
Freedonia Focus Reports. (2020, September). Audio & Video Equipment: United States. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com 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). Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Sector - Quarterly Update 11/22/2021. First Research Industry Profiles. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
(2023). Film & Video - Quarterly Update 1/30/2023. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
(2023). Media - Quarterly Update 1/30/2023. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
(2023). TV Program Production and Distribution - Quarterly Update 1/23/2023. 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.

Statista Research Department. (2022). Statista dossier on cinema in Canada. Statista. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2023). Statista dossier on film industry in the United States and Canada. Statista. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2022). Statista dossier on movie studios in the United States and Canada. Statista. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2023, February 16). Statista dossier on film industry in the United States and Canada- statistics and facts. Statista. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2019). Statista dossier on LGBTQ media in Canada. Statista. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2023, January 5.) Total film and television production volume in Canada from 2011/12 to 2020/21 season, by region, in million Canadian dollars. CMPA. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2023, January 5.) Total film and television production volume in Canada from 2004/05 to 2020/21 season, in billion Canadian dollars. CMPA. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2023, January 5.) Number of jobs generated by the theatrical feature film production industry in Canada from 2015/16 to 2020/21 season, by type, in 1000s. CMPA. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department. (2023, January 5.) Canadian film and television production volume in Canada from 2011/12 to 2020/21 season, by language, in million Canadian dollars. CMPA. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department, (2023, January 5). VFX revenue in the video post-production industry in Canada 2013-2017. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
Statista Research Department, (2023, January 5). 3-D effects revenue in the video post-production industry in Canada 2013-2017. 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.

The WARC Guide to Working with Creators. (2023, May). WARC Best Practices. Retrieved from WARC database.
What we know about short-form video. (2022, June). WARC Best Practices. Retrieved from WARC database.
Vita, Marianne. (2018, September). The role of premium multi-screen video in an ad campaign. WARC Best Practice. Retrieved from WARC database.
Twose, Dominic. (2017, May). How to optimize video creative across screens. WARC Best Practice. Retrieved from WARC database.
(2019, October.) What’s working in cinema. WARC Category Intelligence. 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.

Reevely, D. (2023). Bill C-11 expected to shift balance of video production in Canada, not increase it: documents. Toronto: The Logic, Inc. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
Twins tackle video production business. (2017, Jan 17). Chronicle - Herald. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
The music video production (MVP) project brings artists' visions to life, with round seven of the program. (2022, Jan 27). Canada NewsWire Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
Sona Visual wins top choice award for video production services. (2022, Feb 02). Canada NewsWire. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
Belanger, J. (2022, Jan 20). London artists of colour can connect with video production team in new project. Londoner Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
Walker, K. (2021, May 11). Canadian global leader in video production technology, Ross Video, receives official designation as a Canadian Compassionate Company (CCC). Postmedia Network, Inc. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
Durek, D. (2020, September 29). Scarborough woman's generation Z-inspired store 199Z combines fashion, video production, events. The Toronto Star (Online). Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.