Public Library Business Resources

Brooklyn Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 718-623-7000 Fax: 718-222-5651
Contact: Elisa Glenn
Web: www.biz.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
Organization Type: Public Library

The Brooklyn Public Library Business Library has a reference collection of more than 100,000 volumes, a circulating collection of 30,000 books, internet access, electronic resources, 1000 magazines and newspapers, zip code statistics, real estate data, and an online catalog. The Library is unique in its exclusive dedication to business and finance. The Business Library provides industry and investment information, demographic research information, business-related databases, business directories, and operates a toll-free 800 number - 800-266-6696 - for New York State only, outside of New York City. It also houses the Small Business Information Center, which includes sample business plans, videotapes, books on starting and advancing a business, and free counseling with SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. The Library regularly hosts educational programs and Wednesday morning tours at 10:15 AM on how to use the Library's resources. Immediate telephone reference is available at 718-623-7000, or to be added to the Library's mailing list for educational seminars.

Queens Borough Public Library, Business, Science and Technology Division
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432
Tel: 718-990-0760 Fax: 718-658-8342
Contact: Division Manager
Web: www.queenslibrary.org

This library has circulating and reference materials for small business on topics including start-up and operation, management techniques, advertising, sales, franchising and legal issues. National, local, international directories, and extensive periodical holdings on business topics are available. Librarians are available to help the public.

Queens Borough Public Library, Far Rockaway Branch
1637 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Tel: 718-327-2549
Contact: Branch Manager
Web: www.queenslibrary.org/dispBranch.asp?count=19

Far Rockaway Small Business Resource Center, located in the Far Rockaway branch has a collection of books, CD-ROMS, periodicals, 10 computers with business software, and 10 laser printers for public use to develop entrepreneurial and small businesses. There is a librarian to assist the public.

Queens Borough Public Library, International Resource Center
41-17 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
Tel: 718-661-1229 Fax: 718-661-1291
Contact: IRC Manager
Web: web2.queenslibrary.org

The IRC has a collection on international business, with materials on export/import, companies in other countries, doing business in other countries and international business internet resources. There are various periodical holdings related to international business. The IRC has monthly classes on business database searching. Most of the databases are available system wide. Also, there are regular programs about creating and running export/import businesses. A business librarian is available to assist the public.

Science Industry and Business Library [SIBL]
188 Madison Avenue (at 34th Street), New York, NY 10016-4314
Tel: 212-592-7000
E-mail: sibleref@nypl.org
Web: www.nypl.org/research/sibl

SIBL uses advanced technology to provide businesses with up-to-date information. Visitors to the library can use its computers and access online business databases and CD-ROMs. In addition to print materials, SIBL offers classes in Internet use, and has a full schedule of programs and workshops on business topics. SIBL houses a SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) office that offers free advice from experienced retired executives on all aspects of starting and running a small business. The SCORE office is open daily Tuesday-Friday. Call 212-592-7033 to make an appointment. Note: There are other SCORE offices throughout the city. Check hours under SCORE listings for Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.