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Data-Gathering Resources 193

• Industry Reference Handbooks—This seven-volume set
contains overviews, descriptions, and statistics for a wide
variety of industries. The seven volumes are titled Comput-
ers & Software, Pharmaceuticals, Telecommunications,
Chemicals, Health & Medical Services, Hospitality, and
Entertainment. This set is available in many university
libraries and large public libraries.
• Office of Trade and Economic Analysis (www.ita.doc.gov
/td/industry/otea)—As the website says, this office of the
Department of Commerce conducts a “comprehensive pro-
gram of data development, dissemination, and research
and analysis on international and domestic trade and
investment issues to support trade promotion and trade
policy responsibilities of Trade Development, International
Trade Administration Department of Commerce, and
United States Government organizations and officials. The
office also coordinates the trade policy implementation
activities of the Trade Development unit.” The website
provides links to a variety of foreign trade, investment, and
industry statistics.
• Standard and Poor’s Industry Surveys—This print source is
great for current descriptions of industries. Most industries
are defined rather broadly. Each description is around 30
pages long and includes some major current trends, a list of
the major companies, and selected financial information
(data from financial statements, financial and performance
ratios for selected companies in the industry, and industry
averages). This source also includes a useful section titled
“How to Analyze a Company in this Industry.” Another
useful item is a short list of additional sources of industry
information. This source is available in many university
libraries and large public libraries.