Smart Strategies for Business Research
Starting a project or paper in business? These curated resources will help you find reliable information quickly and efficiently.
Research Guides
Dive into our comprehensive Business Research Guides, Course Guides, and Research Tutorials for expert strategies. Don’t miss our latest guide on Global Business Intelligence, showcasing key resources and tools for analyzing international markets.
Databases
Access our Business Databases by Subject to find company financials, market research, and industry reports. For broader coverage, explore the complete Business Databases A-Z list.
Journals and Newspapers
Stay informed with trusted publications like Harvard Business Review and The Wall Street Journal. Explore thousands of scholarly and professional journals and newspapers - search journals and newspapers here.
Need Help?
Have questions or need assistance with company data, citations, or research strategies? Contact us anytime at pardstf@bu.edu - we’re here to support you!
Archival Instruction Services
The Gotlieb Center archivists collaborate with faculty, teachers, and instructors to incorporate archival collections, University Archives and rare books into the classroom. We offer instruction sessions tailored to the needs of the particular class. Staff are available to assist instructors in designing assignments best suited to their individual topics and goals.
Students in Paula Austin's HI 297: African American Women’s History class pour over archival materials in the Gotlieb Center Reading Room. Photography by Sami Wright.
Teaching with Archives
Are you interested in learning about the archives, but not sure where to start? We would be happy to set up a time to help you develop a class session and introduce you to archival research.
For Individuals
- Archival Research 101: Explore Special Collections through this introduction to archival research. This session breaks down how to find collections, understand what’s in them, and request materials you’d like to explore.
- Research Consultation: Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Research and Instruction Archivist to brainstorm ideas, locate collections, and design a research strategy for your project.
For Classes and Groups
- Behind the Scenes Archives 101: Dive into the history of how and who created Archives and Libraries. Learn how to harness this knowledge to empower your research in archives, libraries, and beyond.
- Archival Research 101: Explore our vast archival collections with ease through this introduction to archival research.
- Tailored Class Visits: Engage with archival materials that support your course curriculum.
Learning Outcomes
Archival instruction sessions build transferable information literacy skills needed to:
- Conceptualize, find, and access primary sources
- Analyze and use archival materials
Develop confidence and familiarity with:
- Archival terminology
- Primary vs. secondary sources
Practical Considerations:
- Learn to navigate our archive website and discovery tools
- Acquire methods for finding hidden materials
Planning a Class Visit
Please reach out to us with the following information:
- Date and time of the proposed class session
- Knowledge or skills you want your students to acquire
- Subjects, events, time periods, material types, or collections of interest
We require at least two weeks’ advance notice to request necessary materials from our off-site storage.
Our staff will schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and answer any questions.
Archivists prepare the Nikki Giovanni Collection for use as her last book is published
Nikki Giovanni. Photo is part of the Bay State Banner Archive held at the BU Libraries.
The archivists of Boston University Libraries are hard at work preparing the archive of poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni for use. Beginning in 1971, and over the course of her career, Nikki Giovanni donated more than 185 boxes filled with her manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, subject files, printed materials, professional records, personal memorabilia, audio and video recordings, and artwork to BU. The papers, when open for use, will offer unparalleled insight into her life and career.
The publication this week of her last volume of poetry, The New Book: Poems, Letters, Blurbs, and Things by William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins, is a powerful reminder of how deeply moving and insightful Giovanni’s poetry and writings are.
The Libraries will be able to welcome researchers to use the archive in 2026. Stay tuned for more details about a forthcoming event celebrating the opening of the papers and our access to an extraordinary archive that Nikki Giovanni has given us all. Until then, please direct queries and questions to archives@bu.edu.
Boston University Introduces Common Read, a New Campus Tradition
BU Today announced the launch of the Boston University Common Read, a University-wide reading program that will serve as an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to build connection through discussion and engagement with a compelling title. The inaugural pick: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
A team from the BU Libraries guided the selection of the title, reading and reviewing several books before submitting a final recommendation to University leadership. University Librarian Mark Newton told BU Today:
“Our review considered how a book’s themes might connect with experiences of students entering college and how well it laid the foundation for discussion around the questions and aspirations that undergird so much of the research and learning we do in our time at the university,” Newton says. “Importantly, we wanted to recommend a book that would resonate with readers because of its relatability and timeliness and that could foster connection across the whole University community. Even though we don’t bring direct experience with space travel to our reading, I think Orbital meets these goals well through the range of perspectives, experiences, and concerns that Harvey packs into the telling.
Learn more at BU Today about the Common Read program and why Orbital was chosen as this year's book.
Pardee Library: Supporting Your Success!
Welcome new and returning students! We’re excited to be your academic partner this semester. Whether you’re diving into a research project, looking for a quiet study spot, or need to print your work, Pardee Library offers a variety of resources and services to support your success.
Here’s How We Support You:
Expert Librarians: Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the research process and help you find the best resources for your projects.
Research Resources: Access our vast collection of business databases and research guides designed to help you find the right information quickly and easily.
Study Haven: Choose your perfect study space, whether you prefer quiet individual areas or reservable team rooms for group work.
Tech Hub: We’ve got you covered with laptop chargers, financial calculators, and a Bloomberg terminal - just ask us for assistance.
Printing Made Easy: Get your documents printed quickly with our MyPrint stations.
Need Help? We’re here for you!
Feel free to reach out at pardstf@bu.edu or visit us in person. Let’s make this semester a success - together!
Welcome new students: Here’s what you can do at your library
Welcome! As you begin your academic journey at Boston University, the BU Libraries are here to guide you. Our expert librarians and array of resources can help you dive into your classes, develop new research skills, and learn. Explore the list below to learn about just some of the tools, resources, and supports available to you--no matter your major, schedule, or academic focus.
Get Expert Research Help
BU librarians can help you develop a search strategy and find scholarly sources, show you how to use resources and tools, and answer questions about the research process. Just Ask a Librarian!
Visit askalibrarian.bu.edu to call, chat, text, email, or set up an appointment with a librarian.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, use BU Libraries How-To Guides to get started with the research process and research more effectively.
Study and Collaborate
The BU Libraries branches offer a variety of seating options and noise levels so you can find the study spot that best meets your needs. Open study spaces offer three zones of noise levels—silent, considerate, and collaborative—to accommodate different needs.
Reservable spaces are also available across BU Libraries locations for individual study or group work.
Browse all Libraries study space options.
Borrow books & access scholarly materials
The BU Libraries provide a wide variety of high-quality scholarly materials, including academic databases, eJournals, eBooks, and print resources, scores, video and audio recordings, and other items. You can even sign up for a subscription to the New York Times and browse newspapers and magazines in PressReader.
BU Libraries Search provides a single place to search our collections. Review tutorials and FAQs to get the most out of BU Libraries Search.
If you need materials beyond the BU Libraries collections, we may be able to obtain them from another library for you. Learn about making an Interlibrary Loan request.
Use subject specific tools & resources
BU Libraries collections include industry-specific databases, and the Pardee Management Library provides access to a Bloomberg terminal. Library Research Guides and Course Guides offer topic- and class-specific resources to help you find quality sources in your areas of research.
If you need help, meet with a subject specialist librarian.
Explore special collections
The Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at the BU Libraries is the University’s central repository for archives, personal papers, and rare books. Its collections include the papers of notable individuals, the records of organizations, and rare books. Learn more about our special collections, make an appointment for archival research, and visit one of our curated exhibitions.
The BU Libraries display information about the Della Hardman collection and other materials at the 20th annual Della Hardman Day held at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
On July 26, the BU Libraries celebrated Della Hardman Day with the Martha’s Vineyard community. This annual celebration honors the legacy of Della Hardman—an artist, educator, author, and advocate for cultural understandingand social justice—whose papers are preserved by the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at the BU Libraries.
After earning her master’s degree in fine arts from Boston University in 1945, Hardman worked as a public school teacher, professor and administrator for 40 years. In 1986, she moved to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, where she took over the local Vineyard Gazette column from author Dorothy West. She became an integral member of her community, serving on the Nathan Mayhew Seminars, the Oak Bluffs Library, the Featherstone Art Gallery, the Vineyard Nursing Association, the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society, and the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, among other organizations.
The Della Hardman collection at the BU Libraries includes personal and professional correspondence, manuscripts, professional and research materials, artwork, notebooks, scrapbooks, film, video, audio materials and photographs, among other items. The collection is open for use by appointment.
Community members attend the 20th annual Della Hardman Day held at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Research Proposals Sought for Nursing Archives Research Award
The Nursing Archives Associates is now accepting proposals for the Nursing Archives Research Award, a $2,500 award to support use of the nursing archives held in the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University Libraries for historical research about nursing and health care.
Students, faculty and independent researchers from all disciplines are welcome to submit research proposals for evaluation. The award supports travel, photocopy, digitization, and other expenses related to using the nursing archives in Boston University’s Special Collections.
Download a flyer with more information about the award and proposal requirements. The information is also below. The deadline for proposals is November 1, 2025. Awards will be announced in December 2025.
To speak with an archivist and learn more about the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, please visit bu.edu/library/gotlieb-center.
$2,500 Archival Research Award
The purpose of the Nursing Archives Research Award is to support historical research about nursing and health care. The award is limited to researchers who will use the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center (HGARC) Nursing Archives at Boston University as a source for primary research.
Eligibility includes students, faculty, and independent researchers from all disciplines, based on evidence of preparation and/or productivity in historical research related to nursing and health care. Successful grantee will receive $2,500. This award is payable to the individual applicant and is taxable income. The purpose of the award is to support travel, photocopy, digitization, and other expenses related to using the nursing archives in Boston University’s Special Collections.
Applicants should submit a full research proposal of no more than 500-600 words, exclusive of title page and references, along with a current CV. The proposal should include the following:
- Abstract
- Project description indicating the scope of the historical research
- Boston University Nursing Archives collection(s) to be used
- Narrative for existing scholarship and how the research will advance scholarship in the history or nursing and health care
- Methodology and timeline, and
- Intended product and plan for dissemination
Evaluation of the proposal will consider the clarity and feasibility of the project. Recipients of the research award are expected to submit a summary of their work, a head shot and brief biography for the Nursing Archives Associates Newsletter and HGARC blog. To speak with an archivist, and learn more about the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, please visit bu.edu/library/gotlieb-center
The deadline for proposals is November 1, 2025
Awards will be announced in December 2025
Proposals should be sent to: NURSING@BU.EDU
Begin searching the BU Libraries’ Nursing collections in ArchivesSpace: https://archivesspace.bu.edu/repositories/9/classifications/16.