The logo and name might remind you of the tie-clad, serious-facedYoung Republicans from your college days. Whether those future business leaders were your people or the people who scared you, if you’re an entrepreneur,the James J. Hill Center in St. Paul, Minnesota should become your friend.
The Center began as the James J. Hill Reference Library in 1921, and its books, databases, collections, and masters-degreed librarians are available to the public at no charge. If you can, stop by and see the Center’s Kettle River sandstonepillars, stacks of books reaching forty-two feet, and Beaux Arts architecture, all creating ahistoric event space worthy of the nerdiest of weddings or extended study sessions.
Minnesota businessman and founder James J. Hill believed in economic development and the free exchange of information, and in that spirit, the Center has become one of the top business libraries in the world, also offering business networking meetings, programs, and workshops.
Where to start
Connect with a librarian first. The Center’s databases aren’t available offsite, but librarians are available by phone,in person, and email. “Not to brag, but I’ve heard our librarians referred to as our most valuable assets,” says Leah Kodner, Business Librarian at the Center.“We are good at helping patrons formulate their questions in the first place. By the time they leave, they feel much more in control of their research.”
For readily answered questions (How many Americans own pets? How much is the computer repair industry supposed to grow in the next five years?), a librarian can help you from a distance. For more complicated or in-depthresearch, visit the Centerfor these valuable resources, which are especially useful in writing business plans, according to Leah.
Databases and Resources:
• Gale DemographicsNow – Contains individual businesses/competitors, discover locations with a high demand for your services, find new prospect lists.
• IBISWorld – Offers industry overview articles. Who are the major players? How competitive is the industry and what is trending? How will it grow?
• PrivCo – Provides extremely detailed profiles of private companies, including financial information and email addresses you won’t find elsewhere. Enter very specific criteria to find potential private market investors.
• SimplyMap – Similar to Gale (above) but offers greater depth. A hidden gem of a resource, according to Leah.
• American Women – a series of books (yes, real books), that contains much more detailed info than what you’d find online or in a database.
JoAnne Dyer is a Seattle-based writer.
The James J. Hill Center
By JoAnne Dyer