Got an Entrepreneurial Bent? Visit New York's Public Library

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

The New York Times recently reported on a potentially valuable resource for those with an interest in business and entrepreneurship: New York Public Library’s Science, Industry, and Business Library.

If you’ve got a great idea for a product or service, this is the place to do the research that’s so important to the success of any entrepreneurial endeavor.

One hundred million dollars went into forming the New York Public Library’s Science, Industry, and Business Library. Offering more than just books, visitors can attend business seminars on a broad range of topics related to research, patents, marketing, and a variety of other areas created to boost interest and success in entrepreneurship. The library is fitted out with computers for each seminar attendee to use as well as high-speed Internet connections.

Library as a Business Resource

If you don’t equate libraries with business or entrepreneurial activities, think again. Here you can learn how to generate a list of companies that might be interested in buying your product or using your service. Possibly most important to any entrepreneurial endeavor, you can find out if your brilliant idea has already been discovered by someone else.

Entrepreneurship Education and Training

If you don’t live in New York City, you may have a hard time taking advantage of the New York Public Library’s resources. You can still stimulate your interest in entrepreneurship by taking classes at a local community college or university. Check out business schools in your area and see if they offer courses in the subjects that you are interested in. Talk to your local Chamber of Commerce and ask if they offer any seminars for small business people, or for young people looking to make something of their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Sources

The New York Times

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in career development.