Sunday March 13th, 2011 Your Business is Our Business

I had no idea the library had that available! This remark is one I hear on a regular basis when chatting with people about the Thunder Bay Public Library and all the awesome books, databases, spaces, and services we have to offer. Some of the most inspiring moments like this I have experienced happen while working with local businesses and entrepreneurs. TBPL is fortunate in being able to partner with and/or provide support to the many organizations (such as the CEDC, PARO, Thunder Bay Ventures, Chamber of Commerce, JumpStart, LES, Confederation College, Lakehead University, local high schools, and others) that strive to enhance the economic development within Thunder Bay. We are also always eager to build new partnerships with businesses and organizations or simply have a quick chat or answer some questions for a budding entrepreneur.

Lately we have added some great new items to the list of what’s available to the local business community (and anyone else who’s interested in them of course!). There is a new database available for in-house usage at the Brodie Resource Library. It’s called PCensus and allows you to analyze customer markets based on Census data, current consumer spending estimates and market potential based on current business operations throughout Canada. This database allows you to create customized profile reports based on a specified geographic study area (ex. Thunder Bay) as well as profiles and maps based on target demographics, etc. For a look into the database there is a step-by-step tutorial available online at www.tbpl.ca/Research/Business; but feel free to come by the reference department at the Brodie Resource Library to take a closer look as well. No need for a library card to use this database, if the workstation is available it’s all yours. For one-on-one training please contact Jesse Roberts (jroberts@tbpl.ca) or Lindsey Long (llong@tbpl.ca).

For those interested in learning more about Facebook we have a Facebook Coach Program. Anyone can book an hour long appointment with one of our “coaches” to discuss questions about Facebook, set up an account, or learn more about how this type of social media works and how it can be utilized for business purposes (as well as why your business should be on Facebook). A variety of dates and times are available each month and we can easily work with you to coordinate a convenient appointment time. Call 684-6819 for more information or to book an appointment.

In addition to the new, there is still the tried and true. The Library continues to bring in the latest books on business (planning, marketing, strategy, social media and networking, accounting, management, etc), as well as business and industry related magazines and journals (ex. Northern Ontario Business Magazine). If there’s something you’re looking for and are not finding it, just let us know. We can look into purchasing the item or ordering it through Inter Library Loan. Then there are the online databases, which provide access to scads of articles, media and news items, and informative entries on business related topics. The databases are available 24/7 for anyone with an internet connection, library card and PIN so you can happily browse for information at home in your pajamas. If you find home too distracting or just want to get out there are many spots around TBPL that are perfect for getting some work done (study rooms, carrels, etc). Bring your laptop and access the free wireless internet available at all four branches of the Thunder Bay Public Library.

Jesse Roberts, Head of Reference Services