Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age: The Public Librarian’s Toolkit

A timely reference for all public librarians who serve the business community in libraries, regardless of size or location-from small rural outposts to bustling big-city branches.

Serving communities today entails serving businesses-in particular, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and those looking to become entrepreneurs. Understandably, many librarians are not prepared for this role, and as a result feel uncomfortable in it. Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age: The Public Librarian’s Toolkit explains how librarians and libraries can better serve the business community, offering specific guidance on everything from information resources-including books, databases, and free online sites-to programming, special events, marketing, and outreach.

Readers will gain insight into key topics ranging from embedded business librarianship, virtual business librarianship, and government documents to seminars, one-on-one appointments, and trade shows. Providing invaluable guidance based on the authors’ real-world experience and research as well as interviews with librarians in all sizes of libraries around the country, this book offers practical, actionable advice and proven best practices for serving local business owners and entrepreneurs.

Gives librarians tools and practical advice for better serving small businesses and entrepreneurs

Provides librarians with the big picture of serving small businesses, from collections and services to programs

Speaks to librarians at all sizes of libraries, offering concrete guidance and tips that they can immediately put to use in their community

Offers real-life examples from librarians throughout the United States