Your Librarian
Getting Started with Consumer & Market Research
Preparing for Your Search
Demographics or psychographics? Determining what type of consumer data you are seeking helps in selecting a database. Demographics are statistical data about a population (age, gender, and income, to name a few), while psychographics consider attitudes and opinions. Resources in the Consumer & Market Research section are useful for psychographic research.
Data, information, or both? Consumer and market researchers use raw data, such as statistical tables provided by the U.S. Census, market reports, scholarly journal articles, news, and more. Defining what format and type of information you need can help you to select the right databases and sources.
Start with a report. Reports provide overviews and high-level statistics that can help you define and refine your search. Mintel is a great place to begin.
Get help from a librarian. Consumer and market research can be complex and nuanced - your librarian is here to help! Send an email or book an appointment for assistance in locating the best resources for your search.
Demographics or psychographics? Determining what type of consumer data you are seeking helps in selecting a database. Demographics are statistical data about a population (age, gender, and income, to name a few), while psychographics consider attitudes and opinions. Resources in the Consumer & Market Research section are useful for psychographic research.
Data, information, or both? Consumer and market researchers use raw data, such as statistical tables provided by the U.S. Census, market reports, scholarly journal articles, news, and more. Defining what format and type of information you need can help you to select the right databases and sources.
Start with a report. Reports provide overviews and high-level statistics that can help you define and refine your search. Mintel is a great place to begin.
Get help from a librarian. Consumer and market research can be complex and nuanced - your librarian is here to help! Send an email or book an appointment for assistance in locating the best resources for your search.
Best Bets for Consumer & Market Research
- Bizminer This link opens in a new window
Use the Industry Market Profiles tool to generate market reports with data on companies, market activity, and consumers within specified industries and geographic areas - Mintel Academic Access This link opens in a new window
Analyzes market drivers, sizes & trends, market segmentation, and consumer attitudes & purchasing habits for the US and European marketplaces. - Statista This link opens in a new window
Access downloadable statistics and studies from market researchers, trade organizations, and government sources.
- Pew Research CenterA non-partisan website providing various demographic and report data on specific groups in the United States.
Best Bets for Demographics Research
- Census QuickFacts
Social and demographic information for U.S. households, states, cities, and counties with a population of 5,000 or more.
