Researching a Canadian Industry

Toronto Public Library provides information in a variety of formats. These include downloads and ebooks, DVDs, articles and online research.  Additional help is available by consulting a librarian in the branch, calling Answerline (416-393-7131), using our email or online chat service, Ask a Librarian. You can also Book a Librarian (a 30 to 60 minute personal appointment with a librarian).

Getting Started

The Business, Science and Technology Department of the Toronto Reference Library (3^rd floor) has many resources related to Canadian industries. For additional information please ask at the Information Desk.

Searching the Library Catalogue

Suggested Keywords:

Search the name of your industry and then the words “industry Canada” or “industries Canada” by typing your terms in the search box at the top of the homepage, e.g. aerospace industry Canada.

Note:  The website includes historical and current publications.  If you are looking for current information, always look first at the date of any publications that come up during your search. If it says Print Magazines, Newspapers & Journals, click on the title, and then the green Copy details (old catalogue) button to see if it is currently received.

Checking the Shelves

Relevant call numbers:

• 338.70257
• 338.76025
• 380.10257
• 670.5

Suggested Titles:

Business/Company Directories

• Blue Book of Canadian Business

• Canadian Key Business Directory

• Contact Toronto

• Ontario Business-to-Business Sales & Marketing Directory. 4 vols.

• Regional Directory. Ontario [Dun & Bradstreet]

• Scott’s Directories: Ontario Business. 4 vols.

Business Associations

• Associations Canada

Business/Industry Performance

• RMA Annual Statement Studies

Using Online Sources

Toronto Public Library provides access to a wide range of online resources, such as downloads and eBooks, as well as articles and online research. Most of these resources can be accessed outside the library from the Library's website with a valid Toronto library card.

Find Your Way…Downloads & eBooks

Click on Downloads & eBooks from the FIND YOUR WAY section of the Library's homepage. Click on Downloads: Start Here to find Getting Started with Library eBooks and Help for new users. From the Downloads & eBooks page, select OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks. Our largest eBook collection, OverDrive includes current non-fiction, videos and audiobooks. Click on Business & Careers under eBook Nonfiction to browse all titles in this category.    

Find Your Way…Articles & Online Research

Click on Articles & Online Research from the FIND YOUR WAY section of the library’s homepage, select Databases & Research Tools by Topic and then Business & Careers. (Or, just enter the title of the database in the main search box of the homepage, or browse using the A – Z List of All Databases).     

Suggested Titles:

Canadian Business and Current Affairs (CBCA)

DBRS (Dominion Bond Rating Service)*

Financial Post (FP) Advisor

Marketline*

Mergent Online

Scott’s Business Directories Online