Depending on where you live, your library may have some pretty bad-ass entrepreneurial resources. No joke. Technology is constantly changing and the library had to find a way to keep up. Library card holders now have access to some expensive resources for FREE such as free training from Lynda.com, free e-books and so much more! Needless to say, the library is now one of the greatest tools you can add to your entrepreneurial toolbox.
The library resources I refer to in this post are Business Betch favorites and may not include everything your local library has to offer. Please visit your local library’s website to see what resources are available to you as resources vary by state/ city. The resources in this post mostly refer to the Los Angeles area.
E-Books
With the growing popularity of pdf ebooks, kindle books, and audio books, the library now allows you to borrow ebooks and audio books! While there are multiple free ebook, audio book sources, my favorites are:
Overdrive, Cloud Library, and Libby.
On Libby for overdrive, I was able to listen to Gary Vee’s audiobook for FREE and was able to finish it within one week as I was working out at the gym. For Libby you can also download the app on your phone and listen to it immediately.
Don’t have an iPad to view an Ebook? My local library actually allows you to borrow an iPad or Chromebook for 3 weeks…ummm say what?!
Free Learning Resources:
The best free learning resources I’ve been able to use through my library are Lynda.com (which usually costs approx. $29.99 / month) and Mango Languages which is a helped me brush up on my Spanish, and learn a little bit of French and Italian! Lynda.com is a ridiculously amazing online learning platform which is one of the best resources for learning business, software, technology and creative skills. The great thing about these resources is that you can access them remotely!
Photo Credit: Alisa Anton
Media:
You can also access movies, TV shows, and Music through Hoopla and Free Gal. I haven’t really needed to use these as much since I’m a hardcore fan of Netflix and Spotify.
Software:
Some libraries such as the San Jose, CA public library have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription including programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, you name it (but you have to use it at the physical location)! Adobe Creative Cloud is amazing and this is a HUGE perk! This is one of the resources that my library does not have. Needless to say, i’m jealous of those who use the San Jose public library since I pay a steep price each month for my subscription.
Research:
There’s a lot of research that goes into starting a business and sometimes Google doesn’t have all the answers.
- From research databases to competitive data for market research purposes, the libraries have you covered. Research databases can be expensive AF.
- For Bloggers, the library has access to academic and peer reviewed journal articles with legitimate information that can be used in blog posts because Googling stats and using information from Wikipedia is not always reliable.
- Need a prototype? Some libraries have 3D printers….um what?!
- Please note that some of these resources may only be available at the physical library location.
Photo Credit: Kari Shea
Librarians are like unicorns:
Reference librarians are like the OG (Original Gangsta) when it comes to finding information.
- They know where and what to use to access the information or data you need through a variety of resources including specific software, internal networks, subscriptions, and databases. They can also provide you with resources for initial startup research and business including patents and trademarks.
- They can give you information about local entrepreneurial networking events as well as classes.
- They can work as a matchmaker for entrepreneurial organizations in the area.
Productivity /Getting Sh*t Done:
I love working at home but sometimes there are SO MANY DISTRACTIONS. From my neighbors randomly deciding to do karaoke in the middle of the day to my dog pawing at me to go pee every hour, to the squirrel that comes up to my door to tease my dog. I’ve tried coffee shops but nothing compares to how quiet a library is. I’ve never had to deal with a loud chewer or slurper at the libary. Plus working at a library is almost like a co-working space in some aspect. And you can’t forget about the FREE WIFI!
Other Business Resources:
- Libraries can also be a great way to advertise your business through networking events or by educating others by instructing a free class.
- You can also rent a conference room if you needed to meet with a client or possibly teach a class.
- You can also test the effectiveness of a community notice board by posting a flyer about your business. (Cool little experiment to try)
- Some libraries actually have a small business center, a legal information reference center, and a computer skills center.
- In addition to printing and faxing, you can now print from a mobile device to some public libraries.
So… what do you think about your library now? Pretty bad-ass, right?!