Campus entrepreneurship through courses, programs, accelerators, labs and maker spaces is a fast-growing trend at Canadian universities and colleges. The University of Toronto Libraries response to entrepreneurship on campus has evolved over time. This session will highlight the role the library plays in the larger ecosystem that exists on- and off-campus. Research and other initiatives are also underway to help gain a better understanding of this diverse group and inform library services for the future.
Using personas, this presentation will provide insight into the information needs of campus entrepreneurs. Focusing on the user experience will highlight both the value libraries can provide as well as the challenges we have as libraries working with this community. We will conclude with a group discussion to explore creative responses to shared challenges as this fast-growing community evolves on our campuses and beyond.
Outcomes:
– Engagement strategies for outreach to campus entrepreneurs
– Inspiration for instruction and research support for this group
– Research-based insights into campus entrepreneurs research habits and needs
– Understanding and application of core concepts like “ecosystem” and “funnel”
