Research and Reference Resources

ReferenceUSA Company Database

Search Twelve Million Businesses in a Single Click!

Need to find all the clothing stores in Wichita, the CEO of Mattel, or a supplier for copper wire?

Locating that information couldn't be simpler with the new ReferenceUSA database.

What is ReferenceUSA?
How do I access ReferenceUSA?
What can I use ReferenceUSA for?
How do I save or print records?

 

What is ReferenceUSA?

ReferenceUSA is a subscription database that contains information on more than twelve million U.S. businesses and one million Canadian businesses. Data is compiled from Yellow Page and Business White Page telephone directories; annual reports, 10-Ks and other SEC information; federal, state, provincial and municipal government data; Chamber of Commerce information; leading business magazines, trade publications, newsletters, major newspapers, industry and specialty directories; and postal service information.

ReferenceUSA is an Internet-based reference service from the Library Division of infoUSA. The infoUSA databases power the directory services of the top traffic-generating Internet sites, including Yahoo!, InfoSpace and Microsoft. Find more information about the database at http://www.referenceusa.com

 

How do I access ReferenceUSA?

Anyone with a LINK library card and access to the Internet can use ReferenceUSA. Access the database here or follow the link to the Online Databases page in LINKcat.

Next, enter your full library card number without the spaces.

ReferenceUSA's main page will come up. Click on "Business Database" and you're ready to search.

 

What can I use ReferenceUSA for?

The database has powerful search features and can be used for company identification, direct marketing, telemarketing, market research, sales lead generation, sales planning, customer analysis and credit decisions.

Records can be downloaded or printed.

See some sample questions and how to find the answers:

Example 1: I'm interested in working for Ray-O-Vac, how can I find out more about the company?
Example 2: I need a listing of all the county courts in Wisconsin.
Example 3: Who is the CEO of Nike?
Example 4: How can I find suppliers of medical equipment in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN, area?

 

How do I save or print records?

If you are using the database outside of the library, you can print or download up to ten records total per session. If you are using the database inside the library, you may print or save* up to 25 records at a time, and can print or save multiple times in a session. These restrictions are part of our contract with ReferenceUSA.

*To download or save records in the library, you must be able to access the A: drive. Some libraries' computers block access to the A: (floppy) drive. Call your local library to find out if you can use their computers for this purpose.

To save records, you will need to know the file format and and the platform (Windows, Unix, Macintosh). The "comma delimited" option opens data directly into an Excel spreadsheet if Excel is loaded on your computer.

 

For more information, or a group demonstration, contact:

Tana Elias, Web Librarian
201 W. Mifflin St.
Madison WI 53703
(608) 266-4953
madtech @ scls.lib.wi.us

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