Library Resource of the Month – Business Materials
Whether you want to start a new business or need help in some aspect of a business you are already running or working in, the Bellingham Public Library has resources to assist you! From online tools, free virtual courses, books in print and electronic format, as well as a Meeting Owl for hybrid meetings, the library has a variety of ways to support your business needs.
The library’s website, www.bellinghamlibrary.org, is a good place to start when seeking business-related help. Under the Resources link on the homepage is a menu item called Business Resources. In 2022 the library was awarded a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to help small businesses. A number of workshops were held and there are links to some of the presentations and handouts under the Business Resources menu. Some of the topics of the presentations and handouts include bookkeeping and financial management, legal and insurance information, banking, credit and loan information, conducting business in a virtual world, Google Workspace, graphics and design, Microsoft Office, social media, using video for advertising, and soft skills to enhance your business. Branding/marketing with descriptions of various marketing tools is also covered, such as Constant Contact and Mailchimp.
Additional resources that can be accessed through the library’s website are links to small business partners and databases. If you click the Resources link on the library’s homepage, there is a menu item called Research. This will give you links to the U.S. Small Business Administration and its partners such as the Center for Women and Enterprise, SCORE Business Mentoring, Small Business Development Centers, Veteran’s Business Outreach Center, and Women’s Business Centers.
There are 3 business-related databases that contain articles from reputable business journals.
• Business – articles on accounting, marketing, management, and other related fields.
• Economics and Theory – focuses on economics, interviews with CEOs and entrepreneurs, and more.
• Insurance and Liability – articles about mortgages, labor relations, legal issues, and more.
To access these databases, click Resources on the library’s homepage, then Research. Scroll down to Journal and Magazine Articles and then click Visit the Gale Website link.
The library subscribes to Universal Class, a database which offers hundreds of online continuing education classes facilitated by dedicated instructors sharing their knowledge on almost any imaginable topic. There are a number of business courses that you can take free-of-charge! You learn at your own pace and on your own timeline. Topics include:
• Accounting and Financial Management
• General Management
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Starting and Growing a Business
• Software/Computer Training
To access Universal Class, go to Resources on the library’s homepage and select Online Courses/Tutoring.
The library owns business-related books in print that might be helpful to you. Some topics include starting a home business, launching and building a brand, AI basics for managers, accounting, leadership, and e-business.
If you prefer to read in ebook format or listen to an eAudiobook, the library has access to digital books and audiobooks through the Libby app and Hoopla. They can be read/listened to on devices such as laptops, tablets, computers, and smartphones. To access these titles, you can either search the library catalog or go to the library’s website and click on the Ebooks and Digital Media link.
The library has a Meeting Owl Pro from OWL Labs, which can be checked out. The Owl Pro is a 360-degree camera, microphone and speaker that can be used for hybrid meetings and integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other online platforms. It can be checked out for up to 14 days.
If you need assistance with anything business-related, all you need is a Bellingham Library card to give you access to a wide variety of information, both electronically and in print!
