Devon's library service leads the way in helping businesses to grow
Devon’s library service will be leading the way in delivering innovative new approaches to helping businesses grow, with funding announced from the Enterprising Libraries programme, which is a joint initiative between the Arts Council, British Library and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
The funding will enable the redeveloped Central Library in Exeter to include a new Business and IP Centre when it reopens next year following a multi-million pound refurbishment.
The resource, similar in concept to the British Library's service of the same name and the Library of Birmingham's E-library, will aim to support small businesses, entrepreneurs and inventors to develop their businesses across a range of industries.
Library staff, trained by the British Library and the Library of Birmingham, will provide small business advice and support, while the hub will also include access to a comprehensive collection of databases and publications to help users with trademarks, patents, registered designs, copyright and other IP queries.
As well as the Business and IP Centre at Exeter Central, Moretonhampsted's library will include space where people with common interests - in technology and science for example - can meet, socialise and collaborate ideas. The global term for such a work environment is 'hackerspace' or 'makerspace'. It's believed that the initiative in Moretonhampsted will be the first time that a rural library in England has been used to create such a work space.
The funding will also allow the Council to expand its Free Friday scheme, which currently provides free access to computers and the internet, and help for people applying for jobs. Free Fridays was introduced in response to the Government's 'digital by default' strategy to help show people how to search for jobs online, access government websites, set up email accounts and fill in online forms.
Now, with Enterprising Libraries funding, the initiative will expand to include free business advice and help for unemployed people or those affected by welfare reform to develop their new business ideas.
The extended service will operate in three pilot areas, which the Council will identify this autumn, with the initiative launching later in the year.
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries said:
"We are already supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through our growing network of work hubs across Devon. In addition to this, we're now expanding the support available in our libraries to offer even more support to start up initiatives and small businesses.”
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Economy said:
“Small businesses and people with innovative new ideas for business play a large and essential part in our local Devon economy, and so I am delighted that this funding will enable the council to offer the sector even more support.”
Katie Lusty, Relationship Manager, Libraries, South West, Arts Council England said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Devon Libraries through our Enterprising Libraries fund. The fund encourages libraries to use their role as community hubs to spark local economic growth and improve access to business resources in local communities. We think that the library is well placed in bringing this vital work into the foreground and will help many local people with their own business start ups.”
