Use ReferenceUSA to Create a List of Businesses

This is awesome

07/15/2009

~ jfilip

I didn't know that this tool was available and I intend to use it extensively. Tutorial is nice but the tool is incredible.

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ReferenceUSA database

ReferenceUSA has information on more than 14 million U.S. businesses. If you are searching for a florist in downtown Austin, hotels in San Diego, or the CEO of Universal Pictures, ReferenceUSA is the perfect resource.

You can search by company name, business size, yellow-page heading, major industries, location, and a host of other factors combined in any way you like. Records can be saved or printed.

On the database homepage, scroll down to “Popular Databases,” then select “ReferenceUSA.” Select “ReferenceUSA” again. On non-library computers, type your library card number.

We’re going to compile a list of florists in the 78701 zip code area. Under “Business Databases,” click “Search” next to “US Businesses.” Select the “Custom Search” tab. Check the box for yellow-page heading under “Business Types” and the box for “zip code” under “Geography.” Click “Create Search.” Type “florists” in the box under “Yellow page Heading” and click on “Lookup.” At the “Search Refinement” screen select “Florists – Retail” from the exact matches and watch it jump to the other side. Enter “78701” in the “zip code box.” Click on “Search Now.”

You can download this list to Excel or other applications. Select the records to download, using the check boxes located on the left of the results page. Next, select “Download.” To download all the records on a single screen, select the “All” button at the top of the check boxes. Select “Download.”

Download options will display before the download begins. The screen displays a three-step process. The “Comma Delimited” selection in “Step One” will meet most needs. “Step Two” allows you to select your level of detail. We just need contact information, so we will choose summary. Now you can print or save the list. You may only print or download 50 records at a time in the library and ten records at a time remotely.

Files downloaded from ReferenceUSA can be opened by spreadsheet software, such as Excel or similar programs, and by word processing software, such as Word. ReferenceUSA works better in Microsoft Explorer than in Firefox.

If you have any questions, please call us at 512-974-7400. More detailed instruction and search tips can be found under the description of ReferenceUSA on the database page.