June 23, 2009
BusinessDecision for Libraries Puts Local Businesses on the Map
Civic Technologies' BusinessDecision is earning a reputation for its ability to provide up-to-date information to businesses as they seek to grow their companies in a difficult economy. Using its GIS mapping technology, BusinessDecision combines extensive consumer household, market segmentation and demographic data to provide small and mid-sized companies the tools they need to be competitive and prosper.
Public libraries are continually being asked to prove their value to the community. With remote access, unlimited reports and maps and unlimited simultaneous user access, any registered library user can access BusinessDecision from any desktop computer's web browser through a library's website. Easy to use, with tools previously available only to large corporations, BusinessDecision provides local business owners with the ability to perform competitive analysis, evaluate market penetration, target media buys and direct mail campaigns, find new customers and much more.
BusinessDecision was recognized by the Library Journal (April 15, 2009) as the 2008 best online reference tool in the business/economics category. Since subscribing to the BusinessDecision service in 2008, the Denver Public Library (Colorado) has reported usage numbers "...off the charts," said Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette. Awarded the Best Free Service of 2009 by Denver Westword, DeGette praised DPL, noting, "Denver PL has done an amazing job working with their business community.... They see BusinessDecision as a key resource in demonstrating to their business community that the library has real data to help them with their everyday business challenges.... BusinessDecision is helping these businesses take root and create jobs, which has earned the library recognition from members of Denver City Government." ("News in Brief." Library Hotline, May 18, 2009, p. 2)
BCR libraries have access to this and other valuable resources through their BCR membership that combines the buying power of libraries in our 11 member states. Take advantage of discounted pricing to provide these tools to your patrons and users. Contact BCR's Chris Cook (ccook@bcr.org) for additional information or visit the BCR website.
