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Business Databases

Did you know Norfolk Public Library allows residents in the Hampton Roads area to access their online business resources? If you didn't, you're not the only one. We recently learned during a workshop that business owners can gain access to various databases with information and tools to help them build and grow their businesses. However, you will need to apply for a library card to gain access. Below are steps you will need to take to retrieve a library card with the city.

  • You will need to visit one of Norfolk's Public Library's locations, fill out an application and show a photo ID and proof of residence in Virginia.  A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign applications for patrons under 18.  You can print and fill out the application in advance. Here is a link to the application: https://www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/home/showpublisheddocument/1251/638113709336270000.
  • The card is free to residents of Norfolk, those who own property in the city, or anyone who works for the City of Norfolk.  Those not who don't meet one of these requirements will have to pay a $35 fee for (1) year from the date of registration.  This fee is non-refundable.
  •  To learn more about the requirements, visit: https://www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/about-npl/policies/circulation-policy.


Once you have obtained your library card or if you have an existing one, you can start utilizing the following databases to enhance your business's growth and development.


List of Business Databases


Accel5 Business Video Library 

Just in time learning for the working professional, Accel5 Business Library features short videos on topics including business competencies, leadership & management, and personal effectiveness, summaries for business and leadership books, and articles by industry leaders on current working issues.  

Business Insights

Essentials - Access information, news, statistical data and in-depth reports on companies and industries.

City and Business Directories

Virginia, 1801-1929 DA - Access historical, personal and professional information about the inhabitants of cities in Virginia and information about the city’s civic, social, benevolent and literary organizations from 1801-1929. [For remote access, use the password "infopower".]

Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative

Self-paced module to learn how to start a business.

Gale Business: DemographicsNow: Business and People 

Gain consumer and market insight from highly detailed demographic data on millions of U.S. businesses and consumers.Gale Business: Entrepreneurship - Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business. Includes sample business plans, how to guides, articles, and more.

Gale Business: Plan Builder 

Grow, plan, and optimize a business/nonprofit. Utilize development tools and a step-by-step process to build a business plan.

Gale LegalForms 

Access a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms and resources across the most popular legal areas.

Gale OneFile: Business 

Provides full-text coverage of all business disciplines including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, and strategy, as well as business theory and practice.

Gale Business: Entrepreneurship

Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business. Includes sample business plans, how-to guides, articles, and more.

Mergent Archive Solutions 

Moody’s Historical Manual Collection includes every Moody’s Manual back to 1909.

Mergent First Research 

Industry profiles, state profiles, call prep sheets, and news and social content.

Mergent Intellect 

Global private company data on over 110 million privately held companies, information on over 200 million individuals, and executive contacts for more than 90 million business professionals.

Mergent Online 

Access business and company research for over 60,000 publicly traded companies globally, full company history, and 30 years of historical stock pricing. 

Reference Solutions by Data Axle 

Access business and residential information for reference and research. Includes thousands of current job postings. (Formerly Reference USA.)





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