Building Social Capital: How One Academic Library Supports Entrepreneurs

Ka-Neng AuInternational Conference on

Libraries15 March 2005

“The symbiotic relationship between the library and the SBDC located at Rutgers University, Newark, NJ is vital to the success of business start-ups.”

Eddie Johnson, Jr.http://www.ilo-infosystems.us

Profile of the Dana Library

urban campus large collectionaccessible to communityassistance to all

Library’s role …

in fulfilling public service mission of Rutgers Universityin supporting local economic development activitiesin building social capital through the entrepreneurial community

Social capital

Social relationships conducive to building dynamic participatory societiesCharacteristics: mutual trust reciprocity mutual benefit

Information needs of entrepreneurs

answers, not articles industry overview competitive landscape market demographics marketing channels

Indirect assistance …

via Rutgers Business School courses classroom introduction to range of

library resources individual counseling for students,

who serve as consultants

Direct assistance …

via collaboration with Newark Small Business Development Center 4-hour workshop session lecture, demonstration, and hands-on

business research individual counseling for

entrepreneurs

Preliminary results

In the community new businesses new ventures

In the library new challenges new exposure

au@rutgers.edu

http://newark.rutgers.edu/~au/icol.ppthttp://newark.rutgers.edu/~au/icol.doc