Webinar (65 minutes) co-organized by EIFL and IFLA (the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) to mark World Intellectual Property Day (26 April 2021). The theme of World IP Day 2021 was ‘IP & SMEs: Taking your ideas to market’. 

The webinar showcases the work of libraries in helping SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and start-ups to get their business ideas off the ground or, due to the impact of COVID, to change their business focus. 

Presenters from three different types of library: a national library (the British Library), an academic library (University of Nevada), and a public library (Dublin City Central Library) addressed different ways of supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs, for example, by providing training in how to acquire and manage their IP rights; providing access to quality up-to-date business resources; one-on-one consultations; organizing seminars and events, and providing free access to ICT and specialist equipment such as 3D printers and Virtual Reality headsets, in makerspaces where patrons can create, collaborate and innovate.

Download the presentations:

• Supporting entrepreneurs and innovators from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and growing a business: Jeremy O’Hare, Intellectual Property, Business and IP Centre, British Library, UK.
• From patent searches to maker-spaces: how an academic library benefits the local business community: Tara Radniecki, Head of DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Librarian at the University of Nevada, U.S.
• Dublin City Libraries Business Information Centre support for business start-ups: Bernadette Cogan, Divisional Librarian, Central Library Services, Dublin City Council, Ireland.