On a more sophisticated level, your library offers the latest information impacting intellectual property, patent research, and competitive intelligence by giving you access to expert resource databases. Some libraries offer digital media labs where you can create both audio (podcast recording) and video production. The biggest challenge facing entrepreneurs is gaining access to funding. Your library might have partnerships with organizations that sponsor competitions where you can obtain seed funding. Your library might also have strong partnerships with financial institutions, angel investors, and incubators.
Have I mentioned the word *free*? Many aspiring businesspeople share frugality as a common trait. Your library provides free access to databases; many are online and can be accessed from the convenience of your home or workspace. And some libraries offer co-working space and meeting rooms to support freelancers and independent contractors. Free! You only need to have a library card. If you don’t have a library card, get one today. It’s free and easy and you can do it online. The only requirement is that you must have a bonafide address in the area that is being served by your local public library.
The larger the library, the more business services are provided. Yet, with today’s technology, even the smallest or most rural library has a window to jump start new ideas in the marketplace, and will give you access to sophisticated databases. Get to know your local library! Here are a few libraries out of thousands across America who are open for business!
The Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library in Ankeny, Iowa offers programing for business owners and public meeting space. Resources include: Small Business Collection - Covers all major areas of starting and operating a business: financing, management, marketing, human resources, franchising, accounting, taxes and more. More sophisticated data can be gleaned from Business Economics & Theory (Instant access to full-text academic journals and magazines) and
Business Insights: Essentials (a wealth of real-world analytics and applications for business researchers.) An interesting note about this library is their newly built facility shares its space with the Ankeny City Council. The City of Ankeny's Economic Development Department works with Greater Des Moines Partnership to attract new businesses to Ankeny and to help existing businesses prosper and expand here. Talk about wonderful networking opportunities for business owners! You can reach the library via email [email protected] or phone +1-515-965-6460.