BIC History

The Business and Investment Center Celebrates over 90 Years of Service to the Public

The Library’s Business and Investment Center (BIC) has served customers in the Mahoning Valley since 1924.

While its name has changed over time, its mission has remained the same: to provide timely and authoritative information needed by our customers.

The Business and Investment Center serves entrepreneurs, business owners and job seekers alike. The BIC aims to provide materials to patrons seeking the information they need to make personal finance decisions.

You may have known the BIC department by a different name over the years. Many of you will remember “Science and Industry,” which was the Department’s most recent name, in place for over 40 years. Here’s a look back:

• 1924 – “Technical Service” in the Reference Department

• 1949 – Science and Industry division in the Reference Department

• 1954 – Science and Industry Department

• 1996 to today – Business and Investment Center

Among the BIC’s offerings free offerings are databases which would normally cost an individual or business a great deal, such as Business Insights: Global, DemographicsNOW, Mergent Intellect, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Morningstar, ReferenceUSA, and Value Line.

Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Business and Investment Center to learn more about the resources available to you! Connect. Inspire. Enrich.