Typical questions

Considerations

When enquirers are asking about manufacturing make sure they understand what it is. Kompass, Dun & Bradstreet's key British enterprises and Kelly's all provide lists of manufacturers for all types of products. You will find details of these directories in COMPANIES. In addition, look at specific subject headings for specific sources.

Where to look

Directories

As well as the above try:

Kelly's OnLine www.kellysearch.com

This covers the manufacturing industry. The enquirer can search by company name, product/services, and by country.

Statistics

Manufacturing worldwide: industry analysis statistics (1999) Gale Group

This provides data on 500 manufactured products and commodities. It also gives details of 4000-plus companies in 119 countries.

PRODCOM annual and quarterly industry reports

An excellent source of manufacturer sales figures, available to download from www.statistics.gov.uk/OnlineProducts/default.asp.

Economic and labour market trends, Producer prices indices: the economy, Manufacturing productivity, Index of manufacturing

These are available to download at www.statistics.gov.uk. Then select ‘Economy’.

Websites

Confederation of British Industry www.cbi.org.uk

Offers numerous publications to download free. Lots of links and information on the CBI's Manufacturing Council.

BEAMA www.beama.org.uk

Excellent for publications, downloads, statistics and lots more.

EEF: The Manufacturers Organisation www.eef.org.uk

The voice of the engineering and manufacturing in the UK. Excellent for publications.

Heavy Industry News www.heavyindustry.com

Institute for Manufacturing

Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RX

www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk

Excellent site, including Cambridge Manufacturing Review, available to

download freely. It is worldwide in coverage.

Manufacturing Chemist www.manufacturingchemist.com

MAPS

See also Atlases & Gazetteers; Geography, Geology & Earth Sciences

Typical questions

Considerations

It is not necessary to list all the different types of maps and atlases available. Most encyclopedias contain basic maps, and as for Ordnance Survey maps, simply go and check to see what you have on the shelves. Problems are more likely to be encountered in smaller branch libraries where stock may be limited, though even here the OS Landranger maps and street atlases for their local areas should be available.

Where to look

Old maps

Most local studies departments of libraries stock old maps of their areas. Check your local studies department to see what is available.