When a public library invests
in building relationships with business owners, professionals, and job seekers
in the community, it is investing in the livelihood, well-being, and future of
all of its citizens. By demonstrating how the library is a valuable resource
for these patrons, the embedded business librarian can be an equal partner in
the business community and have an equal voice. As a business liaison
librarian, Alvarez has taught nearly 150 job seekers, completed over 100
one-on-one appointments with business owners and professionals, and co-produced
numerous videos and podcasts with entrepreneurs. Here she distills her
experiences into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to developing sustainable
library-business relationships. Speaking to beginners as well as those who may
already have a background in business reference or outreach, this book:
- introduces
the concept of embedded business librarianship, emphasizing how it
extends beyond outreach to include integration with the business
community;
- discusses
how the embedded business librarian not only cultivates awareness of the
library's resources and expertise, but is also a valued contributor to the
business community's conversation;
- recommends
research sources and strategies for learning the needs, goals, and
partnership opportunities of the local business community;
- outlines
a five-step process for reaching out to organizations, businesses, and
professionals to cement long-lasting ties;
- details
the important differences between business owners, professionals, and job
seekers, offering guidance on the best ways to approach and engage them as
well as techniques for forming sustainable partnerships with each group;
- shows
how to create a co-working space, illustrated using real life examples
from libraries that have created their own business spaces for
networking and collaboration; and
- talks
about the importance of continuing education for the embedded business
librarian, highlighting books, blogs, podcasts, news sources, online
training, librarian support groups, and other avenues for expanding one's
expertise.
Loaded with recommended practices for increasing engagement
and developing courses and programs for business owners, professionals, and job
seekers in the community, this book points the way towards making the library
an integral part of the business community in ways that are realistic and
sustainable.
