Become an Entrepreneurship Librarian

Libraries as Launchpads works with libraries to become hubs for creative entrepreneurs, building capacity in librarians as entrepreneurship resource experts.

The Libraries as Launchpads Initiative Aims To

EQUIP

Librarians and transform Libraries into accessible hubs for creative entrepreneurs their local communities

SUPPORT

Equity and inclusion in local entrepreneurship ecosystems

ADVOCATE

For the multifaceted value libraries provide their communities

Current Program

Libraries as Launchpads:
Certification One

Certified Entrepreneurship Librarian – 8-week professional development program for librarians and library staff.

Thursdays, March 2 – April 20, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

View full program details as PDF

In the program, you’ll work with our team of entrepreneurship and ecosystem experts, collaborate with a cohort of like-minded librarians, and engage in an intensive, hands-on program.

The outcome?

You’ll get the
expertise to ›

Support entrepreneurs

In finding the resources they need to take the next steps with their businesses

Identify gaps

In support in your local entrepreneurship ecosystem

Launch a new offering

To creative entrepreneurs through your library

Collaborate

With mission-aligned partners and connect with local entrepreneurial support experts

Advocate

For your library as an asset for entrepreneurs

Have questions? Come chat with us!

Want to learn more? Join us for one of our upcoming info sessions with our Launchpads Team.

What We Do

Libraries as Launchpads works with libraries to fill gaps in support for local entrepreneurs through cohort-based development opportunities for librarians and library staff.

How Libraries and Librarians Benefit

Not everyone starting a business has equal access to support.

Building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem requires advocating for inclusion and the installation of accessible touchpoints.

As a librarian, you are uniquely positioned to offer support. Libraries are:

HAPPY PARTICIPANTS

"Since the Entrepreneurship Librarian training lots of great things have unfolded for me. I've been promoted to the County's Business Librarian - I'm not sure if I could have accomplished this milestone without the program. Thank you for really lighting a fire under me to think outside of the box and help our business community."

"I am still excited about every aspect of the [Entrepreneurship Librarian Certification program]. It has been one of the most relevant, informative, practical and well organized training opportunities I have ever had. It is brilliant."

"Libraries as Launchpads entirely changed my viewpoint on how libraries can better assist entrepreneurs. But more importantly, I learned how libraries can use entrepreneurial development tools to better serve our [patrons]. It has changed my outlook on practically every professional responsibility, [providing me] a new approach that will benefit our library programming."

"Libraries as Launchpads Certification One was fantastic! I went from knowing very little about how to serve the entrepreneurs in our community to feeling confident, informed, and ready to help."

We equip libraries to support you on the journey towards a successful business.

Certified Entrepreneurship Librarians know where to find resources and information you need to take the next steps with your business or idea. Hub Libraries host programming for entrepreneurs to test an idea for its potential to be a profitable business.

Check the map to see if there’s a Launchpad Library near you!

Want your library on the map too?
Register for Libraries as Launchpads

“When a patron walks in and says ‘I’m starting a business’ [our libraries] will be well positioned to support them.”

ELI GUINNEE
New Mexico State Librarians

Deadline to register is February 15, 2023

Early Bird pricing runs until January 20, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to register?

February 15th, 2022
(Early bird registration payments are due by January 20th.)

How much does the program cost?

	Early Bird Pricing	Regular
One librarian per library	$1,375	$1,525
Multiple librarians per library	$1,175	$1,325

(Early bird registration payments are due by January 20th.)

Do I have to be an MLS to participate?

No, any librarian or library staff person can participate in the training.

How much time should I expect to spend on the Cert One program?

You can expect to spend at least 5 hours a week during the 8 weeks. Though, many participants have reported spending much more time.

I am a University or Specialty library, is this program fit for me?

Yes! And Maybe. We’ve had many university librarians participate in our program. As long as you want to increase your ability to support entrepreneurs – whether that be students, the general public, or a specific group of people – this program will help!

I’m interested in hosting this program for librarians in my library system. How can this happen?

Let’s talk! Contact the Libraries as Launchpads team today.

Where can I get more information about this program?

You may download this PDF containing more details about the Libraries as Launchpads program. You can also sign up for one of our upcoming info sessions where you can chat with our Launchpads Team and answer any questions you may have.

Is there a Certification Two?

Yes! Download this PDF to learn more.

Become a resource expert!
Download our free Entrepreneur Reference Interview PDF

Sign up to get updates and receive a free download of the Entrepreneur Reference Interview. Designed to support you when talking with entrepreneurs — the Interviews help you to understand: the stage they are at in business development, how well they understand why people buy / would buy from them, and the current struggles they are facing. This template will help you work with entrepreneurs to find the best resources for where they currently are in developing their businesses.

Become an Entrepreneurship Librarian