Lots of folks call the library for phone directory assistance. It’s time we revealed a “secret weapon” which helps us give quick answers for those requests! The library staff loves a database called RefUSA. It can be found on our databases menu, under Business and Consumer, or under Directories, where it is listed as U.S. Business and Residential Directory. It is very versatile, and you’re going to love some of the things it can do for you.

It is a quick easy source for listed phone numbers for both residence and business. You may search either the business or the residential parts separately. The Quick Search feature in both allows you to search by name (individual first and last name in residence or company name in business), city and state. You can also perform a phone number search in either section to obtain a name and address. In either the Business or Residence areas, you can see more information, including zip codes, by clicking on the blue link for the name in the results list.

A Custom Search can be very useful as well. For example, sometimes we are asked to find a listing of businesses within a certain area, like metro Atlanta, or a city or specific zip code. With RefUSA, you can easily retrieve a list like this, since you can search by any of these criteria. The key you need for this search is the SIC (Standard Industry Classification) code assigned to the business type. These are available online. (If I’m not sure how a business might be classified, I usually search for one business that’s a good example of what I’m looking for, and go into the business record in RefUSA by clicking the blue link name of the business; the six digit SIC code is listed in the record.) Once you have the SIC code, you can combine this with the area you are searching in the Custom Search, and retrieve a list of all the businesses of that type in the area. The custom search is also helpful in finding competitors for those who are starting a business.

The above search trick is one that we introduce in a Business Research Class that will be taught on April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Decatur Library. A Business Research cheat sheet (PDF, 26k) of useful resources is included in the class. The Library is also co-sponsoring business classes with the Small Business Association. Check the classes section of our website, for types of classes and dates.

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