The New York Public Library will be closed from May 26 to May 28.
Acoustical engineering seeks to improve the quality of sound and reduce noise. It concerns:
Acoustics and its applications often involve several different disciplines, so you may need to do your research within multiple subject areas, and even in different library locations. For example, in the New York Public Library many books and journals about musical acoustics are held at the Performing Arts Library, a research library that holds materials on music and musicians. The collections here at the Science, Industry & Business Library (SIBL) are strong on theory, research, noise control and building design, as well the technology of sound recording. This guide is divided into the following sections:
Getting started: books you can borrow. With a New York Public Library Branch Libraries card you can check out many introductory books on acoustics from the open shelves in the street-level circulating library at SIBL (the Cullman Room). Browse the shelves or search the LEO catalog on the computers. Ask the librarian at the desk if you need help. The books available include:
Acoustics in the built environment : advice for the design team. Duncan Templeton (editor) ... [et al.]. 690.2 A England : ARCHITECTURAL PRESS (UK), 1997. Basic technical advice on building acoustics, sound system design and sound proofing for the practical builder.
Theoretical acoustics. Philip McCord Morse, Princeton University Press, c1986. 534 M
Practical acoustics. Stephen Kamichik, Prompt Publications, c1998. 621.3828 K Practical projects in acoustics for the amateur or professional.
Introduction to the physics and psychophysics of music. Roederer, Juan G., Springer-Verlag, c1975. 781.22 R
Numbers in bold are ‘call numbers’ for locating books on the shelves and you may find similar titles in the same general shelf location.
There is an excellent web site on acoustics at http://acoustics.org maintained by the Acoustical Society of America. It contains articles, information, lists of resources and web links. Another good introductory site emphasizing building acoustics is http://acoustics.com
Going deeper into acoustics, but still at an introductory level, you can find non-technical articles on acoustics in science encyclopedias on the open shelves in the lower-level Salomon Reading Room. In particular, the 10-volume McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (call number *R-SIBL Q121 .M3, look for the shelf marked ‘Q’) has excellent introductory articles under Acoustics, Architectural Acoustics, Bioacoustics, and Acoustics Noise. You can photocopy articles at the library for personal use. Or search the electronic version of the same encyclopedia, called AccessScience, in the library’s Electronic Information Center (also on the lower level). A search under the word ‘acoustics’ brings up over 300 articles you can print, save to disc or e-mail to yourself.
The library holds research-level books, journals and electronic databases of current acoustics research. It also has directories of companies offering services in acoustics, and directories of industry acoustics standards. Advanced research in acoustics can be technical and may require higher mathematics skills, such as knowledge of the wave equations of sound or advanced computing techniques. Ask a reference librarian at the McGraw Information Services desk on the lower level if you need help at any time; for example, in searching a particular topic or locating a journal.
You can take down any books from the open reference shelves located around the lower-level reading room and read them at a desk for as long as you are in the library (please simply leave them on your desk for reshelving at the end of the day). There are several useful titles in acoustics:
Encyclopedia of acoustics. Crocker, Malcolm J., editor-in-chief. New York : John Wiley, c1997. *R-SIBL QC221.5 .E53 This isn't an "Encyclopedia" in the traditional sense (it has no alphabetical entries), but a four-volume handbook of advanced technical essays on various aspects of acoustics. Also contains introductory chapters for the general reader.
Audio engineer's reference book, Talbot-Smith, Michael editor. Focal Press, Oxford, 2001 *R-SIBL TK7881.4 .A926 Theory and practice for recording studio and broadcast engineers.
Handbook of acoustical measurements and noise control. Harris, Cyril M. editor. Woodbury, NY : Acoustical Society of America, c1998, c1991. *R-SIBL TD892 .H32
Sound system engineering, Davis, Don. Focal Press, Boston, c1997.
*R-SIBL TK7881.4 .D38 Theory and practice for designing sound systems for public address, domestic homes and concert halls.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards.Print editions of current standards are held on the open reference shelves in the reading room at SIBL. The Subject Index in Volume 1 lists specs, testing methods and practices under “acoustic, acoustical, noise”… etc *R - TA401.A653
Search the library’s catalog for advanced acoustics books and journals, by consulting the research materials catalog (CATNYP) at one of the terminals. Search by ‘subject’ using the following terms (Library of Congress subject listings):
Acoustics
Acoustical Engineering
Airplanes—Noise
Noise control
Noise—measurement
Soundproofing
Sound—Equipment and Supplies
Underwater acoustics
If you find the CATNYP record for an item you want to see, print it on the attached printer (printing is free for catalog records). Write the call number and title on one of the special paper call slips and hand it in at the Altman desk. Wait several minutes for your book or journal to be retrieved from one of the five floors of shelves located on the building’s upper levels. When you collect your item you can read it at your desk in the reading room for as long as you are in the library, or make photocopies of sections or articles that interest you. If you simply want to browse the most recent issues of a particular journal, specify on the call slip that you want ‘the most recent issue that the library has received’, or ‘all issues from the last year’, for example.
Find detailed articles and research papers on a specific topic, using one of the library’s electronic indexes/databases in the Electronic Information Center (EIC) on the lower level. Here are some examples of recent acoustic topics to give you an idea of the detailed level of search you can make in these databases:
Active sound and vibration control
Active noise control headphones
Reduction of noise inside automobiles
Reduction of noise outside automobiles
Classroom acoustics and effects on learning
Neighborhood noise: car alarms, building alarms, machinery, refuse collection
Noise:
Airplane
Air conditioning (HVAC)
Boat noise on recreational lakes
Construction site noise
Lawnmower noise
Local power stations
Noise in national parks
Traffic and vehicle noise
Trains and subways
Workplace noise
Underwater acoustics, effects of noise on marine life
Some databases simply provide you with a citation to an article while others give you the full text in an electronic form. The library pays for these resources.
Academic Search Premier 
General and research level database for citations and some full text of articles. Also available over the Internet from home using a library card. Indexed search terms include: noise control, acoustical engineering, noise—measurement, noise—psychological aspects, environmental law, noise control—law & legislation
Inspec (available on-site at SIBL)
Research-level indexing database of engineering, physics and materials science, Inspec is only available on SIBL premises. Gives extended abstracts of publication contents. Search topics include: acoustic noise, structural acoustics, acoustic emission, acoustic materials, noise abatement, architectural acoustics,
IEEEXplore (available on-site at SIBL)
Research-level indexing database of electrical and electronic engineering, with some access to retrieval of the full text of journal articles published since 1998. Only available at SIBL. Topics include: acoustic noise, radiated acoustic noise, acoustic noise measurement, in-car sound systems, instrumental sounds, sound movement, sound recognition, sound database, audio, acoustic waves,
Science Direct (available on-site at SIBL)
current year of Journal of Sound and Vibration available for browsing in full text
Science Online
High school study guide: definitions, essays, diagrams and experiments, including an experiment to measure speed of sound using echoes. Available from home.
If the database offers the full text of an article, you will see a link in your list of search results. If you only get a citation to an article, consult the CATNYP research catalog to see if that journal is available at SIBL and note the journal’s call number. Request the volume or issue using a paper ‘call slip’ for retrieval from the library’s stacks. If you cannot find a journal in CATNYP ask a reference librarian at the McGraw Information Services desk. If the library does not subscribe to a journal you need, the reference librarian may be able to refer you to another New York library that does have the item.
Using our suggested research strategies you can find specialist books and journal articles to match your interests. Here is a list of some of the most important ones you may come across:
Acoustics. Leo Leroy Beranek. New York : McGraw-Hill, 1954 PFB (Beranek, L. L. Acoustics) One of the classic university textbooks on the subject, this advanced mathematical treatment is still the set textbook on degree-level acoustic and audio engineering courses.
Acoustical Engineering. Olson, Harry F. Princeton ; Van Nostrand, 1957 TTF (Olson, H. F. Acoustical engineering) A large, classic textbook on acoustics and still relevant (the 1957 text was reprinted in 1991). The author was an acoustical scientist at the RCA Research Laboratories in Princeton NJ (now the Sarnoff Research Laboratories) which pioneered sound recording and radio.
Fundamentals of acoustics. Kinsler, Lawrence E and Frey, Austin R. New York : Wiley, 1962. PFB (Kinsler, L. E. Fundamentals of acoustics, 1962) A classic university textbook, still recommended on degree-level courses.
Acoustics and noise control handbook for architects and builders. Leland K. Irvine and Roy L. Richards. Malabar, Fla.: Krieger Pub. Co., 1998. JSF 98-237
Noise control reference handbook. Hirschorn, Martin., Bronx, N.Y. : Industrial Acoustics Company, 1989. JSC 03-122 A largely non-mathematical and practical treatment of noise, its measurement and reduction.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards.Print editions of current standards are held on the open reference shelves in the reading room at SIBL. The Subject Index in Volume 1 lists specs, testing methods and practices under “acoustic, acoustical, noise”… etc *R - TA401.A65
Using our suggested research strategies you can find specialist books and journal articles to match your interests. Here is a list of some of the most important ones you may come across:
These are printed journals to which SIBL subscribes. You can only see these journals by requesting them with a call slip, but you are welcome to request recent issues if just want to scan them for new content.
Acoustical physics. New York, NY, American Institute of Physics JSM 93-198 [1993- current]
Acoustical science and technology, edited by the Acoustical Society of Japan. Tokyo, Japan : The Society, 2001- . JSM 01-90 see also entry in online journals list
Environmental health perspectives. Research Triangle Park, N.C. : U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ; Washington, D.C. : Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., distributor, 1972- JBM 93-201 see also online journals list
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (listed in CATNYP as ‘The journal.’) [New York, etc.] American Institute of Physics for the Acoustical Society of America. Appears under the following call numbers in SIBL holdings (1945- ):
JSM 99-24 1994-
*ZAN-V702 1972-1993.
PAA (Acoustical Society of America. Journal) 1929-1971.
Journal of sound and vibration. London, New York, Academic Press JSM 94-486 [1964 to current]. The most recent issues are available for full-text electronic browsing through the library’s subscription to the Science Direct database
Noise control engineering journal. Poughkeepsie, N.Y. : Institute of Noise Control Engineering, 1982- . JSP 86-62
Journal of low frequency noise, vibration and active control. London, Multi Science Pub. Co., JSM 02-142 [current]
These publications are available from Internet terminals at SIBL, or anywhere on the Internet.
Acoustics Research Letters Online
free online letters journal of the Acoustical Society of America, all areas of acoustics research, full-text papers in PDF format [SIBL has print issues 1977-89]
http://scitation.aip.org/arlo/
Acoustical Science and Technology (online)
free online journal of the Acoustical Society of Japan, full-text PDF papers in English
[SIBL also has print edition of The Journal of Acoustical Sociey of Japan (E), 1980-94]
http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/ast/-char/en
Environmental Health Perspectives
free online journal published by National Institute of Health and other public agencies
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov
Acoustics in relation to architecture and building : the laws of sound as applied to the arrangement of buildings. T. Roger Smith, London : Crosby Lockwood, 1895. PFB (Smith, T. R. Acoustics in relation to architecture and building) T. Roger (Thomas Roger), 1830-1903.
The standard of silence : recollections of the early years of Industrial Acoustics Company. Hirschorn, Martin, Bronx, N.Y.: Industrial Acoustics Co., c1991. JBX Q-700
The soundscape of modernity : architectural acoustics and the culture of listening in America, 1900-1933 Thompson, Emily Ann, Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, c2002. [Performing Arts Library – Music] JME 02-590
These web sites are accessible from any computer connected to the Internet.
Acoustics in General | Acoustics Standards | Professional Societies in Acoustics | Noise Control | Acoustics Journals on the Internet
Acoustics.org
Emphasizes science of acoustics: ackground information, consultants, standards, employment in acoustics, covers science of the whole field of acoustics
http://acoustics.org
Acoustics.com
Emphasizes acoustics in buildings: background theory, case studies of typical rooms, specifications and standards, consultants
http://acoustics.com
The Sound of Life (Internet audio)
An eight-program radio series by the BBC and the Open University on the sounds of the natural world, the acoustics of hearing in different animals, sound in nature, noise pollution and sound in the future. Originally broadcast in 2004 and available over the Internet using RealAudio software, the programs feature interviews with experts and stereo recordings of many birds, insects and mammals.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/soundoflife.shtml
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) technical input to ANSI acoustics and noise standards is provided by the Acoustical Society of America, who sell all ANSI (and ISO) standards
https://asastore.aip.org
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards
Print editions of current standards are held on the open reference shelves in the reading room at SIBL. The Subject Index in Volume 1 lists specs, testing methods and practices under “acoustic, acoustical, noise”… etc *R - TA401.A653.
The ASTM web site shows you the scope of each standard for free and lets you buy electronic versions.
http://www.astm.org
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Full text of more than 100 international noise standards available for purchase online; technical committee TC43 works on acoustics and noise, technical committee TC108 studies human effects of mechanical vibration and shock.
ISO standards are also available from the Acoustical Society of America: ISO standards are also available from the Acoustical Society of America: https://asastore.aip.org
http://www.iso.org
The Acoustical Society of America
Professional society, education directory, local chapters, acoustic standards, conferences
http://asa.aip.org/
Institute of Noise Control Engineers
Professional society, holds national and international conferences
http://www.inceusa.org/
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
History of noise control 1969-1992
http://www.epa.gov/history/collection/aid21.htm
Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
Information on hearing and health effects of noise, OSHA standards, OSHA directives
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/index.html
Federal Highway Administration. U.S. Department of Transport
Highway Traffic Noise in the United States, Problem and Response, April 2000
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/probresp.htm
Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
Collects information for campaigners including full text of city and federal regulations
http://www.nonoise.org
World Health Organization Guidelines for Community Noise (1999)
Acoustics Research Letters Online
Free online letters journal of the Acoustical Society of America, all areas of acoustics research, full-text papers in PDF format [SIBL has print issues 1977-89]
http://scitation.aip.org/arlo/
Acoustical Science and Technology (online)
Free online journal of the Acoustical Society of Japan, full-text PDF papers in English [SIBL also has print edition of The Journal of Acoustical Sociey of Japan (E), 1980-94]
http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/ast/-char/en
Environmental Health Perspectives
Free online journal published by National Institute of Health and other public agencies
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/
Acoustics and noise research organizations of international importance are located in the city of New York or in surrounding areas. They draw on the area’s historical legacy in the development of the telephone and the radio, the musical recording industry, medical research, architecture, noise control and the building of submarines.
Acoustical Society of America, Orange County Chapter
http://www.ocasa.org/index.htm
Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, New Jersey: the Multimedia Communications Research Laboratory continues Bell’s historic research on telephone acoustics and voice recognition
http://www.bell-labs.com/org/1133/Research/Acoustics/
IAC (Industrial Acoustics Company), Bronx, New York: multinational vendor of materials and construction methods to alleviate effects of environmental noise (aircraft, road traffic, building acoustics); established 1949, publish Noise Control Reference Handbook
http://www.iacl.co.uk/usa/index.htm
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, Rhode Island
develop underwater sensors and license acoustic technology
http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/
Because acoustics spans different disciplines, acoustics research can be located in a variety of university departments, from music and biology to engineering or architecture. The following New York area universities conduct acoustics research in at least one department:
Buffalo University
University of Connecticut (physiological acoustics)
Columbia University, Engineering Department
Cornell University (bioacoustics, oceanography)
State University of New York at Stony Brook
City University of New York (speech)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (underwater acoustics)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (architectural acoustics, noise control)
University of Rochester (bioacoustics)
Rutgers University
Stevens Institute of Technology
St. Johns University
Syracuse University
Consultants in acoustics are listed at the web sites acoustics.org and acoustics.com. The Reference USA database (a resource that the library pays for which is only available on SIBL premises) contains detailed information about many companies and consultants in acoustics. You can search this database for the following ‘SIC’ codes that define specialist businesses in acoustics:
329602 Acoustic materials, manufacturers
382903 Acoustic/Vibration instrumentation
503921 Acoustic materials, wholesalers
871102 Acoustical Consultants
871108 Engineers—Acoustical
174201 Acoustical materials
174202 Acoustical contractors
Acoustical consultants and materials suppliers also have their own section in the Yellow Pages. For specialists in architectural acoustics and building, consult the Blue Book Building and Construction directory (*R-TH13.N53.B58, by request at the McGraw Desk).
The city government of one of the world’s noisiest cities is naturally active in trying to limit or reduce the noise of traffic, machinery and inconsiderate neighbors.
Building Code of New York City, stipulates acoustic standards for new buildings, noise limits for external air conditioning machinery. On SIBL’s open reference shelves at call number *R - KFX2030 .A2B8 and searchable online over the Internet at http://nyc.gov/html/dob/html/code.html
BLOOMBERG SEEKS TO TOUGHEN CODE FOR NOISE IN CITY. (Metropolitan Desk) Jennifer Steinhauer. The New York Times June 8, 2004 pA1(L) col 06 (28 col in) (1105 words) article available at SIBL using New York Times full text database
New York City Noise Code (1998), posted on Internet by the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/newyork.htm
A selected reading list and web directory for further information on advertising and society and public service advertising.
Advertising and The New York Public Library emerged together in the last half of the 19th century. The following is a list of representative titles from the reference and circulating collections of The New York Public Library that document this dynamic evolution.
This guides provides a list of professional journals, full-text journal papers, article citations and books to assist in the research of biotechnology and medical engineering.
A guide to researching African American inventors. This guide provides a list of noted African-American inventors and biographical resources.
A guide to the many sources available from the New York Public Library on the topic of breast cancer. Information may be found in books, journals, videos, databases and websites.
See also Helpsheet #7 at the McGraw Desk for additional industry resources.
|
Industry Information/Data |
Source |
Location of Source |
|
General overview: Construction |
Encyclopedia of Global Industries |
Company/Industry Section; also EIC database: Business & Company Resource Center |
|
History, projections, leading companies, and analyses of Construction materials wholesalers; equipment & machinery (NAICs 421610, 421810) |
Manufacturing & Distribution USA |
Company/Industry Section |
|
Financial and operating data/ratios for companies in Building Materials & Equipment |
Mergent’s Industry Review |
Financial Services |
|
Industry profile, current environment, market trends, and outlook for Construction, property development |
MergentOnline |
EIC Database |
|
Industry survey and monthly investment review: Homebuilding |
Standard & Poor’s Industry Survey |
Company/Industry Section; also EIC database |
|
1- page industry analysis/investment advice on “Homebuilding” and “Building Materials” |
Value Line Investment Survey |
Financial Services; consult Index at McGraw Desk; also EIC Database |
|
Reviews, forecasts, and key indicators for Construction |
WEFA Industrial Monitor |
Company/Industry Section |
To find definitions, descriptions and technical data in the building/construction, consult ready reference sources such as: Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and Handbooks.
The following is a selection of resources that can be found in the open-shelf reference collection on the lower level of Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL). Call numbers are in brackets after the title. Items with call numbers preceded with “*R-SIBL” can be found on the open shelves; numbers without “*R-SIBL” must be requested from the Altman Delivery Desk.
Search in the library’s CATNYP catalog or consult with a librarian for more resources.
The American Textile Manufacturers Institute (ATMI) defines standards as documented agreements containing technical specifications or other precise criteria to be used consistently as rules, guidelines, or definitions of characteristics, to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purposes. There are both voluntary and mandatory standards that can also become government regulations.
See SIBL’s Science & Technology web page on Standards for additional information.
See also the following for industry specific standards information:
Consult:
Listed below is a selected list of associations, including their Web sites and major publications where appropriate:
General reference sources for additional associations:
These resources are available in the Rohatyn Electronic Information Center (EIC) at SIBL only. The EIC is located on the lower level of the library. From the Electronic Information Center (EIC) menu, Select ‘Electronic Databases’, then ‘Business Resources’, then ‘Company Directories’.
Consult SIBL’s home page - Research Guides - Industry Specific Directories for additional resources.
An index is a print or electronic resource that provides citations to articles published in periodicals, journals or newspapers. Some are general while others are specific in their subject coverage.
An abstract has all the information provided by an index with the addition of a summary of the article.
Note: For additional information on Indexes/Abstracts: see: http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/science/scindexes.htm
Guidelines to formulating a search strategy:
“brick* and chimney*” will yield articles with both terms
“cement or concrete” will yield articles with cement or concrete or both
“window* not Microsoft” will yield articles with windows without Microsoft
E.g. techn* with yield articles with technical, technology, technologies, etc.
Language (e.g. English)
Date (e.g. last 12 months)
Type (e.g. industry surveys; company overviews)
Format (e.g. full text)
Level (secondary; research)
These resources are available in the Rohatyn Electronic Information Center (EIC) at SIBL or are available from home/school/office with an NYPL borrowers card (*) from the library website, (http://www.nypl.org/databases/index.cfm?act=2&j=home). See also the Research Libraries listing of online databases: http://www.nypl.org/databases/ for a complete listing of on-site databases.
Note: For additional information on electronic databases, see: http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/science/scieic.htm
The following electronic databases also contains relevant articles/reports regarding building and construction:
A list of handbooks, guides, directories, codes, standards and more to assist in building maintenance in New York City.
A one-stop shop of green building resources: architecture, technology, activism etc.
The Mid-Manhattan Library's Health Information Center is the primary NYPL location for medical and health information. Although the Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) owns some medical directories, dictionaries, handbooks, and periodicals, readers are encouraged to use the following locations for medical and consumer health research.
Referral Locations | Books & Periodicals | Electronic Databases | Web Sites
Mid-Manhattan Library
Health Information Center (HIC)
455 Fifth Ave (corner of 40 St. 2nd floor)
212-340-0883Check New York Public Library's online catalog for circulating/reference health related materials such as the following in HIC and other branches in the system:
- prescription drug information
- physician credentials
- specific diseases and disorders
- alternative medicine
- exercise, diet, and nutrition.
- indexes and subscriptions to over 200 medical, nursing, allied health, and consumer health periodicals
The New York Public Library offers a limited document delivery service for health and medical journal articles for personal use only, with certain restrictions. Articles may take up to several weeks to arrive; $1.00 is charged for each article request.
The HIC also works with the NYPL's community health information service - CHOICES. This program has a NYPL representative for each borough, who can be called upon with reference questions. CHOICES also coordinates public programs sponsored by local organizations in New York City and held in the branch libraries (http://www.nypl.org/events/branchevents.cfm).
New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Ave (corner of 103rd St)
Mon Tue Thu Fri 9-5 Wed 9-7
212-822-7321The only publicly accessible medical research library in the New York metropolitan area. Offers:
- free telephone reference
- on-site use of its collections
- free on-line searching of the National Library of Medicine's databases
- history of medicine, and the more specialized technical or clinical medical journals not found at the Mid-Manhattan Library's Health Information Center.
Note: Although materials cannot be borrowed by the public, interlibrary loan requests are honored. Photocopying services are provided.
NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene Public Health Library
455 First Avenue, Room 1200 (between 26th and 27th St.)
Mon-Fri 9:30-5
311 or (212) 447-2981This library, open to the public, has a collection of books, periodicals, videotapes, and databases covering a wide range of health topics. Materials must be used on site but videotapes may be loaned out with limitations. Free photocopying is provided on site, and links to some free full text online journals and databases are accessible from their website.
Check the online catalog for titles of books, titles of periodicals, or search by keyword or subject. SIBL has some basic medical and pharmaceutical reference books and directories (e.g., PDR, Merck Manual, Harrison's Internal Medicine, directories of physicians, medical dictionaries), and subscribes to several journals (New England Journal, JAMA, Lancet). Browse the Library of Congress class "R" section of the open shelf reference collection to find medical dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, and handbooks.
Health/medical information may also be found in electronic databases accessible from NYPL's Branch or Research Libraries systems:
For Branch Libraries' e-resources, some of which are accessible from home with a valid NYPL branch library card, see: http://www.nypl.org/databases/, then click on the "Health & Medicine" subject to obtain a list of related databases.
For Research Libraries' electronic databases, which are presently available on-site only, see: http://www.nypl.org/databases/. From there, one can search for databases by subject (i.e. health, medicine), location, resource type, or title.
Users can access the following selected electronic databases, available at SIBL only, during regular library hours, through computers located in the Elizabeth and Felix Rohatyn Electronic Information Center located on the lower level of the library. Reservations using one of the touch-screen kiosks are required for usage of computer workstations.
- Science Citation Index
Index and Abstract Database. Citations to the literature of science, technology, medicine, and related disciplines from 3,300 science journals worldwide, as well as science articles from journals in the social sciences. Searchable by author's name, title words, author addresses, cited works, cited authors, and journal titles. 1992 - Present. For earlier years, see the printed Cumulative Science Citation Index on the library's lower level. Updated: Quarterly.
- PubMed
A publicly accessible web site and a service of the National Library of Medicine, provides access to over 12 million MEDLINE citations back to the mid-1960's, life science journals, and links to many sites providing full text articles and other related resources.
For additional health/medical web sites, please see "Health & Medicine" link on NYPL's Best of the Web page: http://www.nypl.org/links/.
A guide to the electronic resources available that address the subject of worker's health and safety.
The New York Public Library has a large collection of historical automobile catalogs.
This guide lists books, historical documents, periodicals and databases that can be used to research lighthouses.
The library has an excellent collection of books and other materials on log cabins, from practical guides on building one to their role in American history.
INTRODUCTION
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of any business venture. Whether you are in the start up or expansion phase of your small business, an effective marketing strategy will ensure that you reach the goals you have set for your enterprise. Marketing is an ongoing process that starts with a thorough understanding of your business environment. As your business grows, it needs to be continually refined and updated to accommodate changes in the marketplace.
The key to successful marketing is a solid understanding of the environment in which your business operates: your position in the market place, your products and services, your competition, and your customers. Here's where market research comes in.
In order to write your marketing plan and develop effective marketing strategies, you will need to gather facts about your business environment. Market research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find answers to questions you may have regarding your customers, your competitors, and your industry. The Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) has a wealth of resources-both print and electronic-that can assist you in understanding these aspects of your business environment.
In order to begin your market research, you need to consider three main questions:
This market research guide will point out some resources at SIBL that will help you research these questions. See the General Resources page for general marketing resources at SIBL. For a more in-depth overview of marketing concepts, please refer to the marketing section of the Business Owner's Manual on the New York Small Business Resource Center web site.
Consumer information is a key element of the market research process. A solid understanding of your current or potential customers is essential if you want to direct your marketing efforts at the population segment that is most likely to buy your products or services. Here are some resources covering: demographic information, consumer behavior and lifestyle interests, buying power and spending habits, and specific target markets.
Demographics USA
County edition - *R-Econ HF5415.3.D46
City edition - *R-Econ HF5415.3.D46
Zip code edition - *R-Econ HC110.C6.S84473
Community Sourcebook of Demographics
*R-SIBL HA203.S66 (latest edition at McGraw Desk)
U.S. Census Bureau Publications
(ask for assistance at the McGraw Desk)
also available at: http://www.census.gov
Statistical Abstract of the United States
*R-SIBL HA202 (latest edition at McGraw Desk)
also available at: http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-us.html
Advertising Age's American Demographics, 2005-
Monthly report in Ad Age and section on AdAge.com analyzing trends and consumer insights.
Consumer Behavior and Lifestyle Interests
The lifestyle characteristics of your target consumers influence their buying habits. Use the following resources to identify interests, beliefs, attitudes, and activities of your potential customers.
Lifestyle Market Analyst
*R-SIBL HF5415.33.U6L54
American Attitudes: who thinks what about the issues that shape our lives
*R-SIBL HN90.P8 .M58
Buying Power and Spending Habits
How much money does your target market have to spend on your product or service? What type of purchases does your target market make? Use the following resources to find the answers to these questions.
American Incomes : demographics of who has money
*R-SIBL HC110.I5 A447
American Marketplace : demographics and spending patterns
*R-SIBL HA203.A635
Best customers : demographics of consumer demand
*R-SIBL HC79 .C6 .R87
Consumer Expenditure Survey
*R-Econ HD6983 .C558 (latest edition at McGraw Desk)
also at: http://www.bls.gov/cex/
Household Spending : who spends how much on what
*R HC110.C6 T72 (latest edition at McGraw Desk)
Survey of Buying Power and Media Markets
*R-SIBL HC106.3.S162
SIBL has a number of publications covering particular market segments (e.g. teenagers, baby boomers, women, Hispanics). The following selection of books will help you learn more about the lifestyle, attitudes, and buying habits of your specific target market. Use the library catalogs to find additional publications dealing with a particular group.
American Generations: who they are, how they live, what they think
*R-SIBL HC110 .C6 .M584
Americans 55 & Older : a changing market
*R-SIBL HQ1064 .U5 .A447
The Baby Boom : Americans aged 35 to 54
*R-SIBL HN60 .R868
Generation X : the young adult market
*R-SIBL HC110 .C6 .M544
Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and Whites
*R-SIBL E184 .A1 .R78
Finding what your competition is up to is crucial to the survival of your business. You need to be able to identify your main competitors, review their business operations, analyze their weaknesses, strengths, pricing strategies, and so on. Who are their customers? What is their sales volume? This information will help you assess the position of your company in relation to your competitors.
Public Companies
In general, information on large public companies is relatively easier to find. At SIBL, you can search the following databases for company profiles and financial information, such as annual reports and filings.
The Internet also offers a wealth of free resources, from news clips and press releases to stock quotes and company profiles. You can also collect a lot of information just by visiting your competitor's web site. Some of the major web resources for company information include: Hoover's Online, and Corporate Information.
Private Companies
Information on small, private companies is much harder to find. Often the best (and sometimes only) way to find information on small businesses is to search for articles published about the company in magazines, trade journals and newspapers. Some of the major business periodical databases at SIBL include:
Locating Your Competitors
The following directory databases will help you locate competitors in a specific geographic area (state, city, area code, zip code). They provide basic information such as address, key officers, lines of business, sales volume, and, when available, credit ratings and number of employees. You can also use these databases to locate potential business clients.
For more information on finding company information, visit SIBL's Company Information Guide.
An in-depth analysis of the industry in which your business operates is an essential part of marketing research. The following resources will help you find industry handbooks and market research reports that will assist you with questions such as: What is the size of the market for my product or service? Is this market shrinking or expanding? What is the market share of my competitors? What future trends are likely to affect my industry? Also, be sure to research relevant trade journals and trade associations. Sometimes overlooked, they are indispensible sources of industry information.
Use the following print publications and electronic databases to gain insight on the main industries in the United States:
Business and Company Resource Center
Standard & Poor's Industry Surveys
*Company/Industry Section at SIBL
also available in the database: Standard & Poor's Net Advantage
Mergent Online
EBSCOHost
(Business Source Premier, Business Wire News, Newspaper Source)
A separate guide is available on SIBL's homepage that provides a comprehensive list of industry specific directories that are available at SIBL.
The library subscribes to many electronic databases that provide market research reports, articles, and statistics on trends affecting your industry. Check SIBL's electronic resources list for descriptions of these and other databases available for free at the library.
Market research reports are published by marketing firms for a wide range of industries, as well as for specific products or services. Although SIBL provides electronic access to many market research reports, a large number of reports must be purchased directly from the publisher or market research firm. Use Findex to see a comprehensive list of market research reports covering for your industry.
Findex: a worldwide directory of market research reports and surveys
*R-Econ HF15.2.F56
also at: http://www.marketresearch.com
Trade journals are excellent sources of information on industry trends. They are also a great source of competitor information. Below are some of the directories that list trade magazines and journals for different industries.
Ulrich's Periodicals Directory
*R-SIBL Z6941.U45
Directory of Business Information Resources
*R-SIBL HD2425.D46 (latest edition at McGraw Desk)
Standard Rate and Data Service (SRDS)
*SRDS Shelf (left of the McGraw Desk):
Business Publications Advertising Source
Consumer Magazine Advertising Source
Direct Marketing List Source
Hispanic Media and Marketing Source
Interactive Advertising Source
Newspaper Advertising Source
Print Media Production Source
Radio Advertising Source
TV and Cable Advertising Source
Trade associations can also provide useful information such as industry reports, statistics, and market surveys. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to pay membership fees to get access to the information. Use these directories to find a list associations pertaining to your industry.
Encyclopedia of Associations
*R-SIBL AS22.E5
National Trade and Professional Associations
*R-SIBL HD2425 .D53 (latest edition at McGraw Desk)
Here are some additional print resources that may assist you in your market research. Search SIBL's catalogs in order to find resources such as marketing handbooks, market research directories, and a list of marketing associations. Also listed below is a selection of Internet resources which provide indepth coverage on a wide range of market research topics.
SIBL has a large collection of marketing and market research materials. For a list of available publications, search the catalog for reference and circulating materials. Subject headings relevant to marketing may include:
Consumer Behavior
Consumers
Marketing
Marketing Research
Market Surveys
Market Segmentation
Target Marketing
Speak with a librarian at the McGraw Desk for assistance and suggestions for other resources. Ask for Help Sheet #15: Information Sources for Market Research for a list of more marketing resources.
SIBL has a large collection of handbooks on marketing research. The following publications will help you get started:
AMA Complete Guide to Marketing Research for Small Business
*R-SIBL HF5415.2 .E34
Finding Market Research on the Web
Company/Industry Section
Guerrilla Marketing
*R-SIBL HF5415 .L477
The Marketing Research Guide
*R-SIBL HF5415.2 .M35585
State of the Art Marketing Research
*R HF5415.2 .B555
If your want to hire a market research firm to conduct market research on your behalf, SIBL has several directories that provide listings of local and international agencies. These firms can provide a wide range of research services, such as focus groups and telephone surveys:
Bradford's International Directory of Marketing Research Agencies
*R-SIBL HF5415.A2 .B66
The GreenBook, Worldwide Directory of Marketing Research Companies and Services
*R-SIBL HF5415.2 .G69
also available at: http:// www.greenbook.org
M Guide: AMA’s Essential Marketing Directory
*R-SIBL HF5415.M32
MRA Blue Book, Research Services Directory
*R-SIBL HF5415.2.M3557a
Marketing associations are valuable sources of information. Their web sites usually provide a wealth of information, including articles, research tips, and links to relevant web sites. In addition, most feature a "publications" section or an "online bookstore" which lists the best or most recent publications in the field of marketing research. Visit the following marketing associations’web sites for more information:
American Marketing Association
http://www.ama.org
Direct Marketing Association
http://www.the-dma.org
Marketing Research Association
http://www.mra-net.org
To find other marketing associations, ask a librarian at the McGraw Information Desk for the Encyclopedia of Associations or National Directory of Trade and Professional Associations.
Marketing Virtual Library is one of the most comprehensive sources of marketing information on the Internet for those involved in marketing, advertising, selling, promotion and e-commerce.
http://www.knowthis.com
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a wealth of information for small business people on their web site. The Online Library has an extensive section on marketing.
http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs.html
The Marketing Resource Center provides more than a hundred articles on traditional and Internet marketing strategies, an online associations directory, and links to market research services.
http://www.marketingsource.com
Entrepreneurial Edge provides a series of self-paced how-to modules that walk you through the process of growing a business in areas such as finance, human resources, leadership and management.
http://edwardlowe.org
The Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) is co-sponsored by SIBL and is comprised of the Programs and Services Locator and a Business Owner's Manual for small businesses in New York. See the Marketing section in the Business Owner's Manual for more information and tips on how to market your business.
U.S. Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov
A variety of print and electronic information sources in the Health Information Center collection can be found on the subject of Nursing. This pathfinder will help you locate selected materials in both reference and circulating stacks.
The Science, Industry and Business Library provides information and collections in the sciences, applied sciences and technology.
Research Guides:
Quick Guides:
Services:
Catalogs:
Electronic Resources:
Special Collections:
Science Information Team - BR, JC, MN, MC, MW, ES
Five hundred years of exposure to the sensory pleasures of tobacco and the selling of that pleasure is history. The sources listed below offer an opportunity to get a small sense of the views about the union of the tobacco industry and advertising from scientists, politicians, business leaders and consumers.
Music Visualizations, Synchoric Orchestra dancing Schubert's Unfinished Symphony ... (1919). Dance Division.
One of 700,000 pictures in the NYPL Digital Gallery
NYPL Photostore