Small Business Today Magazine APR 2014 MONTGOMERY ROTH | Page 15

EDITORIALFEATURE

The Houston Public Library_

The People’s University
By Mayor Annise D. Parker

P

ublic libraries are often referred to as “the
people’s university” and
through them people of
all ages and stages of life can
gain free access to information
that can help them improve
their business, their skills, succeed in school, connect to the
world through techno- logy, or
simply find the joy in reading.
The Houston Public Library
(HPL), the nation’s seventh largest library in terms of population served, continues this
tradition.  There is a wealth of
business database resources
accessible through the HPL
website (www.houstonlibrary.
org).  At no cost to the user,
these valuable databases provide key information for small
business start-up and operational needs including research
on markets and trends, material on competitors and potential clients, and business plan
samples.
These databases can be
accessed by using the compu-

ters at any of the library’s 42
locations throughout the city
of Houston or via the Internet
from your home or office.  You
will need a Houston Public
Library Card to access these
databases on-site or remotely.  Get a free card by completing a library registration form
and presenting it along with
proof of address at any of their
locations.  You don’t have to
live within the city of Houston
to get an HPL Card.
Whether using an onsite or
offsite computer, access the
business databases by visiting
the HPL home page at www.
houstonlibrary.org.  Then click
the “Research” tab near the
top of the screen.  On the
research page, locate the box
labeled “Find Information by
Category” and select “Business.”  When you select a database link from your home
or office, you will be required
to enter your last name and
library card number to access
any of the databases.

The HPL is also keenly focused on the
possibilities of the future, continually
looking for new and creative programs,
services, and resources that support
individuals, families, and businesses as they
seek to better themselves, their
neighborhoods, and the larger community.

There are more than 31
specific databases that can be
used to gain information about
the business world.  Four databases are particularly helpful
to small business entrepreneurs.  To locate information
regarding an industry or market trends, consult the Business
Source Complete or Factiva
databases.  Business Source
Complete offers scholarly business journals covering management, economics, finance,
accounting, and international
business while Factiva presents
current data, articles, and news
about companies and industries.  For data on consumer
demographics, competitors,
and potential clients, use ReferenceUSA, which covers over
14 million U.S. businesses.  Finally, to view any of the actual business plans, refer to the
Gale Virtual Reference Library.
The HPL is also keenly focused on the possibilities of
the future, continually looking
for new and creative programs,
services, and resources that
support individuals, families,
and businesses as they seek to
better themselves, their neighborhoods, and the larger community.
Last year, the Houston Public
Library recorded over 1.1 million computer use sessions of
free access to the Internet for
things like job searches, school
projects, and business research. 

In addition, the HPL provided
over 10,000 free programs
that were attended by approximately 200,000 adults, teens,
and younger children.  These
programs included bilingual
child and family-centered reading programs, online tutoring
services, and adult education
classes such as Adult Basic
Education (ABE), English as a
Second Language (ESL), and
computer skills training covering a wide variety of software
and skill levels.
These programs are especially important given the region’s continuing growth. It is
critical that our community
continue to produce skilled
workers who can fill the jobs
created by the local economy
and educated citizens who can
be leaders in the community
through civic organizations, social and religious groups, PTA’s
and school boards, and more.
Public funding helps support
these important efforts. Yet
ongoing success also depends
on the partnership between
public and private entities. 
Even here, the HPL is leading
the way.  Through the Toyota
Family Learning Grant provided by the National Center for
Families Learning, the HPL has
joined with Collaborative for
Children and other partners

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