This Libguide is designed specifically for you, the Gies College of Business student. It will help you quickly get started with your research. Google is great but not all information is free or openly available.  Here, you can find introductions to various kinds of library databases with instructions on how to search, tips on search strategies, and recommended resources for conducting research. We also distinguish what you can find on the open Net. 

Bookmark this page, and you will find it a good friend whenever you need help or inspiration. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Business Information Services at bis@library.illinois.edu.

Where to find resources:

Print: Go to the specified library and find the text by call number. Ask a librarian for help if needed. 

UIUC Online Research Resources: Available to all UIUC affiliated faculty, staff and students. You will be prompted to log in with your NetID and password if you access them outside the UIUC campus network. You can access these via the Alphabetical List of Databases.

Additionally, some texts can be accessed as part of CARLI, the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois. 

WWW: general websites (some come with our subscription).

If you’re having trouble accessing a database or getting an error code, try opening the link in an incognito or private window. For further assistance, contact bis@library.illinois.edu.

The University Libraries strive to provide as many resources via the web for your searching convenience at any place or whenever you would like to do research.

For simple searching, you can try the STEM Entrepreneurship and Business website, which has links to 3 pillars or broad categories grouped by type of information: Company - Industry - Country. This is a good place to start when you aren't certain where to go first.  

The STEM Entrepreneurship and Business website also has Fast Answers, a database of frequently asked questions on a topic level. You can search the entire database or click on one of the areas of finance, accounting, economics, labor, companies, industries, etc., and look at the lists of questions. NOTE: This is not the place to do a company search on a specific company. Instead, it is a tool which will lead you to sources on how to find information on companies, industries, or topics.