The new book is a comprehensive how-to guide for entrepreneurs interested in launching, managing, and growing an independent research firm. “The number of independent researchers is expected to grow exponentially over the next 10 years,” according to John B. Bryans, editor-in-chief of ITI’s Book Publishing Division. “The trend is being fueled by the increasing utility of the Internet in allowing home-based and Web-based small businesses to operate successfully. For individuals interested in building a viable information business, this guide is an invaluable source of advice from A-Z.”

“Information entrepreneurs have waited years for this book,” said Cynthia L. Shamel, the current president of AIIP. “It offers the guidance, wisdom, and voice of experience that the new business owner needs to succeed, along with solutions and alternatives the established information professional can put to immediate use.”

Organized into four major sections, “Getting Started,” “Running the Business,” “Marketing,” and “Researching,” the book walks readers through every step of the process. Long-time independent professional Mary Ellen Bates covers everything from “Is this right for you?” to closing the sale, managing clients, promoting the business, and tapping into powerful online information sources. The book includes 35 chapters, 80 sidebars, four appendices, and an index.

Mary Ellen Bates is the owner of Bates Information Services, providing business research to corporations and backup research services to corporate librarians. She conducts workshops and seminars for information professionals and is a popular international speaker and columnist to the information industry. She is an active member of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP), and is the only two-time president in the history of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP). Bates is the author of five previous books, including The Online Deskbook (ITI, 1996), Super Searchers Do Business (ITI, 1999), Mining for Gold on the Internet (McGraw-Hill, 2000), Researching Online For Dummies, 2nd Edition (co-authored with Reva Basch; Hungry Minds, 2000), and Super Searchers Cover the World (ITI, 2001). She has a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Reva Basch, the book’s editor, is the author of four books and the executive editor of the popular Super Searchers book series. Prior to starting her own business in 1986, she was vice president and director of research at Information on Demand, a pioneering independent research company. She has a degree in English literature, summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania, and a masters degree in library science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Building & Running a Successful Research Business (488 pp/softbound/$29.95/ISBN: 0-910965-62-5) is a CyberAge Book from Information Today, Inc. It is available in better bookstores everywhere through Chicago-based trade distributor Independent Publishers Group (IPG) or by calling the publisher at (800) 300-9868 [outside the U.S. call (609) 654-6266]; faxing (609) 654-4309; e-mailing custserv@infotoday.com; or logging on to the ITI Web site at www.infotoday.com.

Advance Praise for Building & Running a Successful Research Business:

“The most comprehensive manual on one of the most desired home businesses we know.”

— Paul and Sarah Edwards, authors, Working From Home

“Whether you’re already running an information business or just starting out, this book is an invaluable resource. Mary Ellen Bates has done it again!”

— Marydee Ojala, editor, ONLINE Magazine

“Mary Ellen Bates answers every question you could ever think to ask about the independent research field. Speaking from experience and with exceptional insight, she provides a clear, thorough picture of how to launch and operate an independent information business successfully. [This] is sure to become the leading text for learning this exciting, entrepreneurial field.”

— Amelia Kassel, The Information Broker Mentor Program, MarketingBASE

Building and Running a Successful Research Business By Mary Ellen Bates | Edited by Reva Basch This is the handbook every aspiring independent information professional needs to launch, manage, and build a research business. Organized into four sections, “Getting Started,”“Running the Business,”“Marketing,” and “Researching,” the book walks you through every step of the process. CyberAge Books May 2003/472 pp/softbound ISBN 0-910965-62-5 Regular price: $29.95 Sale price: $23.95