Business Outreach for the Public Librarian
7/12/21 - 8/2/21
4-Week Asynchronous ALA Course

Building connections with your local business community can be a boon to your library. By working with local stores and other businesses on library programs and services, you can gain additional marketing, content, and even revenue without additional staff or expenses.

Not sure where to start? This four-week eCourse equips you with a step-by-step action plan that can help you effectively take your business connections to the next level through embedded networking and tailored library services. Through guided instruction, you’ll get started with embedded librarianship in your business community and learn how to establish sustainable, long-term partnerships. You’ll also gain tips for how to reach job seekers, small business owners, and professionals to share the relevant resources and services you offer.

Barbara Alvarez has partnered with numerous library professionals, local businesses, and organizations to share digital stories through podcasts, videos, and broadcasting. She is the co-founder of The Library OnConference, a free virtual conference completely held on Google Hangouts that has garnered nearly 500 participants. Additionally, she received the 2015 Public Librarian Support Award for innovation and creativity in the library’s community. She is the author of the book Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian with ALA Editions. Barbara received a Master in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.