Local libraries entice thinkers to “Start Something Here”

GEW Penn State hosts one of the largest GEW events in the country, connecting members of local entrepreneurial communities and the University, with a shared vision of building relationships and cultivating access to ideas and innovation. Join the University Libraries and Schlow Centre Region Library for any or all of the following presentations during Penn State’s GEW Week.

For a complete listing of all GEW Penn State events, visit: https://gew.psu.edu/attend/schedule/

SCORE: Speed Counseling for Businesses and Nonprofits
Monday, Nov. 13, 12 – 2 p.m, Downsbrough Community Room, Schlow Centre Region Library

Are you looking to start or grow your business or nonprofit? Meet one-on-one with a SCORE mentor and receive expert counseling and advice on business planning, nonprofit management and growth. SCORE is a nonprofit association of business counselors who foster business and nonprofit communities through mentoring and education. Appointments are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Pennsylvania Business Resources
with LaMonica Wiggins, Entrepreneurship Librarian, Penn State University Libraries
Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30-7 p.m, Downsbrough Community Room, Schlow Centre Region Library

Are you interested in starting a small business in Pennsylvania? Come learn about the extensive business resources available to residents, how to conduct industry research, find business plans and collect local and national demographics and statistics.

Overview of Foundation Directory Online for Nonprofits & Individuals
With Karen Lambert, Adult Services Librarian, Schlow Centre Region Library
Monday, Nov. 13, 7-7:30 p.m, Downsbrough Community Room, Schlow Centre Region Library

Are you a student, artist, or researcher?  Is your nonprofit looking for grants?  This session will offer a brief glimpse of the Foundation Directories where nonprofits and individuals can find info on grant makers, grants, and additional funding resources.  Free access to the Directories is now available within Schlow Library at all public computing stations.

Non-Patent Literature Searching using Government Resources
With Angela R. Davis, Engineering Liaison Librarian, Penn State University Libraries
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6-7 p.m., Willard Building, Penn State, University Park

Searching for non-patent literature will help you identify examples of prior art, become aware of industry jargon, search the market for existing products, devices, or technology, and  consumer interest. Learn how to locate this information using freely available government resources.

Marketing Research
With Kevin Harwell, Business Librarian, Penn State University Libraries
Wednesday: Nov. 15, 2:45-3:30 p.m., W211A Pattee Library, Penn State, University Park

Mintel Academic, eMarketer and Passport GMID provide market research information that can be useful for a variety of business applications, including product development and market planning.  They can provide insight into consumer behavior and lifestyle related choices, brand performance, and industry trends. Please note that access to these databases is limited to students working on projects with direct connection to the Penn State curriculum.

Changing the World: Resources Available for Developing a Start-Up Company
With members of the Happy Valley LaunchBox team and LaMonica Wiggins, Entrepreneurship Librarian, Penn State University Libraries, Moderator: Vanessa Eyer, Engineering Librarian, Penn State University Libraries
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6-8 p.m., 325 Hammond, Engineering Library, Penn State University

Interested in building a start-up company but don’t know where or how to start? Happy Valley LaunchBox can help! Presenters will discuss resources and services that can assist in your efforts to develop a start-up company, with time to network and ask questions. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact the Engineering Library at 814-865-3451, UL-ENGR@lists.psu.edu, or Vanessa Eyer vld5011@psu.edu for more information.

Understanding Patents and Intellectual Property
John J Meier, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Librarian, Penn State University Libraries
Thursday, Nov. 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m., 211A West Pattee Library, Penn State, University Park

This hands-on workshop will focus on understanding what patents are, the basic process of obtaining a patent and online searching of prior art (previous inventions). Attendees should have an interest in patents and be prepared to do practice searching in Google Patents and international patent offices.