Especially in recent years, a vast collection of directories have emerged with titles like Lloyds Shipping Register, Radio Airtime Sales, and National Directory of Multicultural Research - clearly a great range exist. Some of the more popular directories have previously become available as commercial databases. The humble phone book is certainly available. Directories may also be used to determine what the companies produce and sell. The Kompass Directories index manufacturers by product.
Directories have other innovative uses too.
Business - Annual Reports . Many newswires contain copious amounts of information about companies - and describe products, mergers and fiascoes. Prominent newspapers specialize in covering business. This is described in more detail in our Newswires and News Databases article. News is generated locally, then distributed globally through the newswires.