Company Research

Here are tips on how to do the research to help you find a job, learn more about a company you want to invest in or check out your competition.

Before You Start

Review The New York Public Library's Prospecting for Business Information online course.

General Research

The Library makes available the following online databases at all Library branches and to remote users with a valid Springfield-Greene County Library Library card.

• Business & Company Resource Center contains detailed information, key personnel and company histories on larger companies.
• Reference USA is a nationwide business directory of companies of all sizes; its amplified information might lead you to call it “Yellow Pages on steroids.” 

These augment free web sites such as Hoover’s Company Capsules, a quick overview of thousands of companies nationwide, and FundingUniverse, a compilation of company histories.

Local Companies

Check out these local sources.

• Better Business Bureau reports
• Springfield business license database
• Secretary of State’s Business Entity database
• IRS Publication 78 list of organizations exempt from federal taxation
• Springfield-area major employers

Special Focus

Some company information sources have a specific, relatively narrow focus. 

• BankruptcyData.Com deals with major companies for whom the phrase "Chapter 11" has assumed a grim immediacy.
• The RN/WPL database identifies manufacturers, importers and distributors of textile products.
• Consumer Reports provides an easy-to-use tool for locating hundreds of major manufacturers.
• ThomasNet, the latest incarnation of the venerable Thomas Register, deals with the whole spectrum of domestic manufacturers.

International Companies

Not every company for which you might need information is in this country.

• Numberway is as complete a list of foreign online phone directories as is presently available. 
• Although they require free registration for the best functionality, Thomas Global Register and Kompass identify companies in dozens of countries.
• Use Worldwide Directory of Public Companies to verify the existence and exact name of a domestic or foreign publicly traded company; it also sorts by industry.

Troubleshooting

Having trouble finding information on a company?

• Make sure you have the exact name—and the exact spelling.
• Keep in mind that what you have may be a brand name or trademark—and not the name of the company.
• Consider the possibility that the company may be out of business, has changed its name or has been merged into or been bought out by another company.
• Be sure to contact us at the Library if you have trouble finding the desired information.