How to do research in Business

Library resources for researchers working on business-related topics such as industry, company, or financial markets research.

START WITH GOOD KEYWORDS

Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like ABI/ProQuest, Google Scholar, HOLLIS, or Business Source Complete.  

Add keywords like these to your search:

  • Industry keywords – automotive, food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods
  • Company names – Apple, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Procter & Gamble Co. 
  • Financial terms – stock prices, mergers and acquisitions, equities, fixed income, distressed debt 

UPGRADE YOUR SEARCH: KEY DATABASES

The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:

Industry and market data

Statista (via HarvardKey) -- A statistics-focused database that integrates thousands of data points across diverse topics  from a wide range of sources onto a single platform.

IBISWorld (via HarvardKey) – A database of  research reports on a variety of industries. Geographic coverage includes  the United States,  United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China and a limited number of global reports.

Company research

Capital IQ (individual accounts)  – A database  with in-depth financials, filings and transaction data  for public and some private companies; includes a powerful entity screening tool for creating target lists.  

Dig Deeper

Baker Library’s research Help Center provides targeted guidance on company and industry research, as well as other business-related topics.

Databases for Business and Management- explore the full list of Harvard Library databases in this subject category.

CONNECT WITH US 

Business research librarians are available to meet with and answer questions from all Harvard affiliates. The best way to reach us is through the “Ask Us” page at Harvard Business School’s Baker Library.

Service Alert:
  • Some Harvard Library locations will be closed or have special hours for Commencement, Thursday, May 26. Please check the Library Hours page for specifics. Ask a Librarian and chat hours will remain as usual.
  • Most Harvard Library locations will be closed Monday, May 30 and Tuesday, May 31, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Ask a Librarian and chat service will be closed on these dates.
  • If you're experiencing an ongoing technical issue when you attempt to access library materials with your HarvardKey during these times, please report it to Library Technology Services.

Chat

Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm

Friday9am-7pm

Saturday9am-5pm

Sunday 12noon-7pm

Chat is intended for brief inquiries from the Harvard community.

Meet

Talk to a librarian for advice on defining your topic, developing your research strategy, and locating and using sources. Make an appointment now.

These services are intended primarily for Harvard University faculty, staff and students. If you are not affiliated with Harvard, please use these services only to request information about the Library and its collections.