1) Definition
Trade literature refers to printed or digital publications issued by manufacturers, dealers, trade associations, or government bodies that provide information about products, services, and industry trends. It targets customers, distributors, technicians, and professionals in a specific trade or sector.
2) Purpose
- Promote products and services
- Provide technical specifications and usage details
- Announce new launches and updates
- Serve as reference for researchers, librarians, and archivists
3) Types of Trade Literature
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogues | Structured lists of products with features and prices | Furniture/electronics catalogues; online product listings |
| Brochures | Short, visual booklets for promotion or overview | Company profiles, tourism or product brochures |
| Price Lists | Current pricing for models/variants or services | Wholesale dealer sheets; service rate cards |
| Technical Manuals | Instructions for installation, use, maintenance, repair | User guides for machinery, appliances, software |
| Newsletters | Periodic updates for partners, resellers, customers | Trade association or company newsletters |
| Trade Journals | Industry news, trends, case studies, ads | Sector magazines (e.g., electronics, pharma) |
4) Importance in Libraries & Research
- Historical reference: Preserves product and industry evolution
- Technical detail: Specs and standards for engineers/researchers
- Business evidence: Verify old prices, models, company data
- Collection development: Guides librarians on user‑relevant resources
5) Sources of Trade Literature
- Manufacturers’ sites and archives
- Trade associations and chambers of commerce
- Government/standards bodies (tenders, specs, notifications)
- Libraries, special collections, institutional repositories
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