British Library launches business and IP website

The British Library Business and IP Centre has launched a website to engage and inspire the new generation of entrepreneurs in the digital age.

The website will provide professionals a “how-to” guide on how the Library’s services can help businesses conduct market research, develop business plans, and protect their ideas. It aims at connecting with existing and potential users in online environments with features such as integration with social networking websites, expert bloggers, webcasts about a series called Inspiring Entrepreneurs and BIPC TV (the centre’s YouTube).

The Business and IP Centre, partly funded by the London Development Agency (LDA), offers free access to a collection of business and intellectual property databases and publications, including general startup advice, information on funding sources, market research, company data, business news and information on patents, trade marks, registered designs and copyright.

With interactive website, the centre connects with over over 3500 professionals via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Its TV and webcast tools allows professionals to access over 60,000 video content full of expert advice.

Frances Taylor from the BIPC, British Library said: “We are continually experimenting with new developments on the web, to reach out to new audiences and improve access to our resources. Social media provides a fantastic platform for us to talk directly with small businesses and to help facilitate networking; an essential task for entrepreneurs.”