Q. What are the NAICS and SIC codes and how do I find them?

What is NAICS?  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.  (From the U.S. Census Bureau website, http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/)

What is SIC? The Standard Industrial Classification is a United States government system for classifying industries by a four-digit code. Established in 1937, it is being supplanted by the six-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS code), which was released in 1997; however certain government departments and agencies, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), still use the SIC codes.  (From Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Industrial_Classification)

Identifying the codes:

NAICS North American Industrial Classification System

SIC Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System

Finding a specific company's code: 

To find a company's SIC and NAICS codes, use one of our business databases such as Business Insights: Global or Business Source Premier (click on the subject pulldown menu on the A-Z Databases list and select "Business") and search for the company's name.  When you find your desired company, look in the "Industry Classification" box, and you will find the SIC and NAICS codes that are associated with the company.

For more information, please contact a librarian.