Local Library Resources

Local library systems have many resources for small business and many of them are online. For the price of a library card…yes, it’s free…you can access market research, statistics, business books, legal forms and more. Here are some highlights of what is available in our region:

Roanoke City Library Small Business Resources:

• Databases, Research, and Government data such as Reference USA, Hubspot research, Thomas Register, American FactFinder (census data), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, FedStats and others. This data can help you in your marketing efforts and also to understand the market potential for your business.

• The Law Library, which can help with business-related legal research.

• Business book recommendations.

• Links to helpful websites.

Roanoke County Library Small Business Resources

• Databases

• Consumer and DIY Resources

• Gale Legal forms, including free downloadable forms

• LinkedIn Learning

• Access to various newspapers and periodicals

The City of Salem library has several online resources, including databases and research products.

The Botetourt County library has the Bureau of Labor Statistics Industries at a Glance, Gale Legal forms, and other small business resources.

Alleghany Highlands Regional library has a database page with various resources including Gale Legal Forms.

At the Pulaski County library website, members can access a Business Video Library and various periodical resources.

The Pearisburg / Giles County library also has access to the Accel5 Business Video library.

The Montgomery-Floyd Regional library has various online resources and databases, including Accel5 Business Videos, Data Axle business and consumer data, Value Line financial research, and other general research resources.

The Franklin County library offers Gale Legal forms and periodical access.

If your local library doesn’t have access to the resources you need, ask if they have reciprocal sharing agreements with a library that might have what you need. Local libraries also often offer access to computers, printers, or hot spots.