Support : Publications : Chronolog Archives : April 2002

NAICS Codes Now Appearing in Many Dialog and DataStar Databases

NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System) codes are now present in a growing number of Dialog and DataStar files allowing searchers to hone in on relevant industry research. NAICS codes are based on types of production activities performed and include new categories not covered in the older Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) coding system. New industries recognized by NAICS include "high tech" developments, such as fiber optic cable manufacturing, satellite communications, and reproduction of software. In addition, some codes focus on the way business is being done, such as diet and weight reduction centers and warehouse clubs.

NAICs coding provides an updated view of business activity in North America. Further information about NAICs codes, including links to information about how NAICS codes relate to SIC codes, may be found at the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Web site at http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.

Searching the NAICS Codes

On Dialog, NAICS codes are searched using the NC= prefix. The code descriptions are indexed in the descriptor (/DE) or product name (/PN) fields, so that when you are cross-file searching, it is best to use both suffixes to ensure complete retrieval, e.g., S POULTRY(W) PROCESSING/DE,PN. In addition, you can EXPAND NC= to see the codes and accompanying text.

NAICS codes are built upon a hierarchical six-digit structure, where the first two digits represent the major economic sector, the third digit represents the sub-sector, the fourth digit the industry group, the fifth digit the NAICS industry, and the sixth digit the national industry. A zero sixth digit generally indicates that the NAICS and U.S. industries are the same.

Links to Dialog Bluesheets for databases offering NAICS codes may be found at: http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html/bliNC1.html

On DataStar, check the BASE Database Guides File (BASE) and search for the term 'NAICS' to find those files which offer these codes as a searchable option. Information will also be available in BASE on

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