A group of large business libraries, led by the University of Pennsylvania, has developed a "Business FAQ" which serves as a tool to find the best sources, databases, and data sets on various topics. Other business libraries, mainly at PhD-granting unversities, have modified the FAQ to fit their circumstances.

Some of the recommended sources are free and others are licensed by Penn. Rod Library subscribes to some of the licensed sources. Check UNISTAR, the library catalog, to see if Rod Library has a particular subscription database listed on the Penn Business FAQ...or Ask Us! at Rod Library.

The Business FAQ can be browsed or searched. To give an idea of the content, the listing under Finance includes dozens of questions (and answers); here are the first five questions:

How do I find analyst reports (investment bank reports)?
How do I find bank rates, including mortgage rates?
Where do I find info on American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)?
How do I find current betas for companies and/or industries?
How do I find data and information on bonds?

Posted by Stanley Lyle at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rod Library recently subscribed to Socrates, produced by KLD Research & Analytics. It can be accessed from the library catalog (UNISTAR) or from Databases A-Z in the middle of the Rod Library home page.

Socrates can be used to study the performance of specific companies in various environmental, social, and governmental areas such as climate change, diversity, and transparency. It also reports company activities regarding controversial business issues such as alcohol, contraceptives, firearms, gambling, and so on.

Socrates also can be used to identify groups of companies that are involved in specified issues.

Posted by Stanley Lyle at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rod Library subscribes to a database called Testing & Education Reference Center. It can be accessed from this link, from the library catalog (UNISTAR), or from Databases A-Z in the middle of the Rod Library home page.

Students who are researching graduate, business, and law schools may find this a useful resource. A Graduate Search section provides a tool to use in searching for schools that meet criteria you specify.

A Test Preparation section provides online study guides and practice exams for GMAT, LSAT, GRE, and many other Graduate Entrance and other exams. After registering, students get 90 days to access the practice tests and study lessons. After the first 90 days, students can register for an additional 90 days. Cumulative practice test scores are saved.

Rod Library also has print graduate education study guides, such as GMAT Review, from the Graduate Management Admission Council. Most of these are kept at the Library Reserve Desk.

Posted by Stanley Lyle at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)