Q:    I've been job searching for a while now and am wondering if there is something wrong with my resume since I'm not getting any calls for job interviews.  Are there any books at the library that can help me re-vamp my resume?

Q:    I'm always looking for new ways to build my business.  Do you have any resources at the library that can help me with this?

Q:    It seems like there are hundreds of social networks out there on the Web.  I'm really just interested in social networks for small business or entrepreneurs.  What's the best way to find these?

Q:    In an effort to keep my business afloat during these tough times, I've been encouraged to learn more about becoming a government contractor.  Do you have any information on this?

Q:    I'm doing some research for a business plan and one of the things I'm struggling with is identifying my target customer.  How can I approach finding these target customers?

Q:    I'd like to start a business but am hesitant to branch out with my own idea.  I'm wondering if going with a franchise - a more proven business concept - might be a slightly less risky path.  Do you have any information on this?

Q:    I've been trying to network more to help spread the word about my business.  After I've made these initial connections, how can I make the most of my newfound contacts?

Q:    I've been struggling with how to get the word out about my small business.  I have a website and it seems like I don't get much traffic.  Do you have any suggestions or books I could read to help me?

Q:    With the economy being what it is these days, I'm wondering if it's even worth it for me to make any investments right now.  Do you have any tips that can help me decide?

Q:  I'm starting a small business and am having trouble coming up with a good name. 

Q:    I've recently seen advertisements for something called Spark Your Future 2009 at the library.  Could you tell me more about this?

Q:    With our state experiencing such tough economic times, I'm wondering if there are any good industries in which to start a business right now?  Is there such a thing as a recession-proof industry or business?

Q:    I've heard that blogging can be a great way to help promote my small business.  But I'm not quite sure how to go about creating a blog and I'm worried about keeping the content up to date.  Any suggestions?

Q:    I'm just starting to put together my business plan and it's been suggested to me that I come to the library to do the research I need for my market analysis.  What materials are available at the library to help me with this?

Q:    I'm preparing to start a business and am wondering about bookkeeping.  I've been thinking about hiring an accountant but I don't know if this is the right way to go.   I don't know anything about bookkeeping and am wondering if the library has any books on the subject?

Q: I've been encouraged to write a business plan for my new business idea and have no clue what to do.  Does the library have any books that can help me?

Q: I am working on starting a business and I understand that I need to choose a structure for my business.  I'm not sure what would be most appropriate for my situation.  Where can I get some more information on this topic?

Q:    Are there any resources at the library that can help me get more traffic to my business website?

Q:    My biggest challenge is marketing my small business.  Are there any books at the library that can help me with this?

Q:    I'd like to better understand mutual funds.  I have money going into my 401(k) and I don't really know what I'm getting for my money.

Q:    What is a credit score?  And can I get one for free when I obtain my annual free credit report?

Q:  I'm thinking about starting a business and I want to know what makes a successful entrepreneur? 

Q:  I'm starting a small business and would love to find a network or club of some sort for entrepreneurs.  I don't have a business partner and I'm looking for a place where I can get feedback on some of my ideas and find some camaraderie.

Q:     Are there any online classes that I can take to help me write my business plan?

Q: How can I find out if I need a license to start my business?

Q:  I am trying to decide what structure my company should have and am thinking seriously about organizing my company as an LLC.  Is there any information at the library that can help me make this decision?

Q:  What are these super-delegates I keep hearing about?  Are they Republican or Democrat or both?

Q:    I have to write a business plan and am wondering if there are any examples at the library that I can use to get started?

Q:  I'm a woman business owner and have heard that a business owned by a woman can become certified.  Is this true?  And if it is how would I go about doing this?

Q:  I've been thinking about starting a small business, but I'm hesitant to take the “plunge” and really get going.  Are there any resources at the library that can help me make my decision?

Q:  I'm starting a small business and am having trouble coming up with a good name. 

Q: I have selected my topic for a research paper due at the end of this semester but I’m not quite sure how to get started.  Do you have any suggestions?

Q:  Are there any materials at the library that can help me to better understand what copyright is and how it might apply to my use of copied materials?

Q:  Since the 2008 Presidential election is such a hot topic right now, I started thinking about how candidates get selected.  Does the library have any information that can help me understand this better?

Q: With all the attention that's being paid to the candidates for the 2008 Presidential election, I started thinking about what role the Electoral College plays.  Is there any information at the library that can help me thoroughly understand this process?

Q: With all the talk of presidential candidates in the news, I'm starting to think more about voting and how it really works. I will turn 18 before the next presidential election and would like to know if the library has any books on this topic?

Q: The Freedom of Information Act has been cited in the news quite a bit lately.  I'm wondering if the Library has any information on what exactly this is.

Q:  I have never been laid off from a job before and I'm wondering if there are any tips at the library that can help me deal with this.  I've been trying - unsuccessfully - to find a new job, and just don't know where else to turn.

Q: I have read lots of books and articles that talk about how much you are supposed to save for a comfortable retirement.  Now I'm seeing articles that indicate maybe we're saving too much!  Are there any books at the library that can help me sort through this mess?

Q: As an entrepreneur, I find it very difficult to strike a balance between my work life and my personal life.  Are there any books at the library that can help me with this challenge?

Q:  I'm just learning about how to better manage my credit and am wondering what circumstances might hurt my score.  Are there any books about this at the library?

Q:  I've recently come into a modest inheritance and am wondering what some good choices would be for wisely investing my money.  Are there any financial planning tools available at the library?

Q:  I hate dealing with insurance and have not looked at my policies in several years.  I suppose it's time for me to re-examine my coverage.  Where can I get some tips on insurance?

Q:  Now that spring is here, I'm working on a plan to de-clutter my home.  What types of books does the library have that could help me with this daunting task?

Q:  I am a new business owner and am struggling with ways to promote my business.  Does the library have any books that might offer suggestions for me?

Q:  With all the problems in the housing market right now, as well as my own financial difficulties, I'm wondering if there are any resources at the library that can teach me more about mortgages and foreclose?

The National Association of Independent Real Estate Brokers has declared April to be “National Prepare Your Home to be Sold” month.  If you need to sell your home in this tight real estate market, visit the library for some tips on how to get your home in tip top shape so it will sell quicker!

Q: I'm going to be retiring soon but I'm not quite ready to quit working.  I'd like to do something next and have been thinking a lot about starting my own business.  Does the library have any resources for folks over 50 who would like to start a business?

March is Women's History Month so instead of the typical “Ask the Business Reference Librarian!” column this week, I'm paying tribute to some of the great business-women in the United States.  It wasn't hard to find women to write about for this article.  There are literally thousands of accomplished and entrepreneurial women, both from history as well as present-day, from which to choose.  All have greatly influenced business in the United States.  This article highlights just a few of the women which I found most interesting.

There are many demographics you can include in your business plan, depending on the nature of your endeavor.

Q:  I have to give a presentation to some colleagues at work and I am terrified of public speaking.  Are there any books at the library that will help me?

Q:  I've just started monitoring my own investments and was wondering if there are any resources at the library that I can use to help me with this?

If you don’t have a computer at home, the library is the perfect place to go.  It is easy to log on and you can spend up to 3 hours a day on the computers.  What are you waiting for?  Get a library card today and get logged on.

Q:  I’m a small business owner with a small marketing budget. Recently I’ve been hearing more about e-mail marketing and am wondering if this is a cost effective and viable way to go about marketing my business?

Q:  I am a "middle" manager at a local company and am looking for some good books on leadership.  Can you recommend some?

Q:  I am starting a business and would really love to have a website, but I just don’t know if I can afford it yet.  Do you have any suggestions on ways to have a web presence without breaking the bank?

Q: My family and I have been contemplating starting a business. Are there any pointers out there for running a family owned business? Or for starting a business with your spouse?

I have been thinking about employing the services of a financial planner. Is there a guide that rates financial planners so I know whether I'm selecting a good one?

Q: I hate dealing with insurance and have not looked at my policies in several years. I suppose it's time for me to re-examine my coverage. Where can I get some tips on insurance?

A: Many of us would rather do just about anything else than deal with our insurance policies. But your insurance coverage is very important and should be examined regularly. An article from the February 17, 2006 issue of Money magazine offers some questions to consider when it's time to review your insurance coverage.

Q:  I’m thinking about purchasing a used car.  I’m worried about getting a lemon, and paying too much for the car.  Are there any tips out there for buying a used car?

Ask the Director Questions and Answers on Civil Rights from Linda V. Parker
Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights