Information start-ups need to succeed

Abstract

Describes how the New York Public Library's Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) was created in 1996 to target a new audience — small businesses. Gives an overview of business, financial, science & technology and legal information available free at the library to start-ups. Describes SIBL as a destination for the New York City (NYC) small business community because of its robust services built on business information sources by the staff information specialists and business advisors from partner organizations. Covers hands-on training by librarians in premium online databases; reference assistance for quick answers; after-work seminars by business experts; and on-site business advisory services by SCORE volunteers and paid staff from the NYC Business Solution Center. Highlights SIBL's New York Small Business Resource Center website (smallbiz.nypl.org) including an events calendar, business videos and moderated forums. Shows how staff have developed new skills and how SIBL's customers and partners promote its business services.