Business Research Workshop Session 2 Govt Resources Activity

Welcome to the online tutorial for Session 2 of the Business Research Workshop!  This tutorial will help you explore government search portals to learn about their value for business research.

This tutorial is self-paced--you will go through it at your own speed.  How to navigate through the tutorial:

• Follow the instructions on the left side of the screen to help you review the live websites on the right side of the screen. 
• Resize or move your browser window if needed to view some of the information.
• Click on the arrows below to advance through the tutorial.

Two other important things:

1.  The screen on the right should be showing the LibGuide for "Government Information Resources for Business." Most of the government sites covered in this tutorial are also included on that LibGuide, which is linked on the Library website should you need it later.

And...

2.  Sometimes technology fails.  If you are asked to click on a link on the left side of the screen, and that link does not open a new site in your right screen, try right-clicking on the link to open it in a new tab, or try the tutorial in a different browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.

That's it--let's get started!

Background

Unlike subscription databases, government sites can be accessed at no charge, which is great for researchers with tight budgets!   Two general tips for research using government resources:

• Use government search portals to get started. Search portals provide tips and shortcuts, and may be organized with subject menus or an “A to Z” list.
• Decide on the two or three government sites that work best for you.  Multiple government websites provide links to some of the same reports, agencies, and datasets.  Use sites with the navigation tools that fit with your personal search style

Federal Government Resources & Copyright

Most government resources are "open access," meaning you can access and re-use the information without permission.  Click here to open a website about copyright and the government.  Note:  If the site does not open in your right screen, try right-clicking on the link to open it in a new tab, or try the tutorial in a different browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.

Take a minute to browse the site to learn how copyright does (and does not) apply to U.S. government works, including publications, videos, images, and more.

Federal Government Information--USA.gov

A good overall search portal for U.S. government information is USA.gov.

 

Click here and use the website's menu to see the topics, and then continue with the tutorial to review other government sites used for business research.  

Federal Government Information--U.S. Census

1 of 3

In this section of the tutorial, you will take a look at four (4) federal websites for business information. Click here now to go to the first one--the U.S. Census Bureau website.

Federal Government Information--U.S. Census

2 of 3

The U.S Census Bureau is our nation’s leading source of statistics.  In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau regularly conducts surveys on American communities and the economy to collect and distribute information used by business professionals around the world.  And it’s free for you to use!

Try this:  Go to the blue menu ribbon on the site and hover on the "Browse by Topic" category.  Review some of the Topics subcategories, and notice how this site acts as a portal to direct you to additional information.

Federal Government Information--U.S. Census

3 of 3

Now go to the "Library" category on the U.S. Census menu ribbon to look at some Infographics & Visualizations you can use in your own work.

You will also find free interactive maps and videos on this website.

Federal Government Information--American Community Survey

Click here now to go to site #2-- the American Community Survey

The U.S Census Bureau conducts the American Community Survey (ACS) on an ongoing basis to provide data on consumers, households, the workforce, and much more.  Expensive market research reports on consumer behavior often include information collected from the American Community Survey.

Try this:  In the Menu of the ACS website, go to the "Explore Data" option and then to the "Data Tools & Apps" section to see how you can use interactive apps to retrieve statistics from surveys.

Federal Government Information--Small Business

Click here now to go to Site #3-- The Small Business section of USA.gov.

This site was created to provide information for small businesses and exporters, and it features advice on starting a business or a nonprofit organization.

Try this:  In the "How do I..." box, click on "Start a Business." This should take you to a page titled "Start Your Own Business." 

Scroll through the page and notice the tips and tools provided by the government for small business startups.  There's even a section with sample business plans.

Federal Government Information: Economic Census

Click here now to go to Site #4-- the Economic Census website.

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the Economic Census every five years; the most recent was in 2017.  This Census surveys almost 4 million businesses of all sizes to collect economic data.

Try this: Click here and review the colored information wheel to learn why the Economic Census is so important for business researchers.

State & Local Government Information: StatsIndiana

1 of 2

In this last section of the tutorial, we will look at two (2) helpful Indiana state government sites for business information.  The first site is called StatsIndiana.  Click here now to go to it.

State & Local Government Information: StatsIndiana

2 of 2

StatsIndiana is maintained by the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.   It is the official data center for the State of Indiana, and is one of the most popular sites for Indiana business data at the state, county, and metro levels.  It also acts as a search portal to provide federal data by topic.

Try this:   From the StatsIndiana menu bar, review the:

• Profiles
• Data by Topic
• Maps and Tools

State & Local Government Information: Hoosiers by the Numbers

"Hoosiers by the Numbers" is maintained by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.  Some of the data series are produced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Click here now to go to Hoosiers by the Numbers.

Try this: Use the menu to explore Data by Region and by Topic.  Check out some of the interactive options under Tools & Resources.

Conclusion

Congratulations!  You have reached the end of the online tutorial on Government Resources for Business Information.

To get started with your own business research using government resources, go to one of the sites covered in this tutorial and/or try this guide, which is linked on your workshop LibGuide and on the Library website.

What did you think of this tutorial?