The Power of the Library Card!
Since the Zoom meet up, CR Area Session: The Power of the Library Card, held on April 22nd, I have had a new found love for the Library. With my position as Economic Analyst I am constantly looking for information to help businesses with training resources, statistics, best practices, innovative ideas and funding. What I have found is that the online resources and data bases that you can access through your library card will help you not only find the answers, but they will help keep your training budget in check as well! With VIRL’s (Vancouver Island Regional Library) newly updated home page, the resources you are looking for are easier to find as well.
I have listed some of the highlights that I have found to be a helpful over the last week. Be sure to have your library card handy as you will need your library card number and pin for each app that you enter off the main VIRL site.
Training and Continuing Education Resources for Business
Lynda.com – this platform is now provided by Linkedin Learning. The cost for this application without the library card is $24.99 per month minimum. With your library card it is free! This platform you are able to learn about all soft skills needed for starting a business, running a business, and learning useful skills such as HR training, web and software platform training, photography and video, and design. I am currently taking training on how to operate Canva – a platform that makes designing marketing materials for print and social media platforms very user friendly and professional looking.
Research and Inspiration
Pressreader.com – this platform has many magazine and newspapers you can search through without paying multiple subscription costs. If you are looking to keep up to date on the world news or looking for inspiration in your field – this is the place to access it. For example, artisans can research with Creative feel, International Artist, Pulp Literature; designers and architects can read up on the latest trends from around the world with Wallpaper, Houses or Commercial Interior Design; and Tech professionals can keep up to date on current trends through Tech Life and Popular Science.
Overdrive.com/Libby.com – for those looking to learn more about business or self-improvement you can listen to books through this platform. I have found books by the ever popular Brene Brown, Marie Kondo and Malcom Gladwell.
Provincial data bases are listed under the Business and Careers section of the Library Home page. It is a quick way to access BC Stats and BC Laws for research pertaining to pivoting ideas for businesses.
Funding
During this time of uncertainty, finances for your business are a major concern. The main resource listed on the site is Grant Connect. This platform lists over 11,000 Canadian foundations, 560 corporate giving programs, 370 government grant programs, 120 American foundations, and 200 other kinds of grant opportunities. This data base would cost $94 per month for 3 years if you were to subscribe.
In summary, if you are short on time and can only look at one thing on the VIRL page, I would recommend Lynda.com. It can be a bit of a rabbit hole but in a very good way! There is so much content and training videos that you can make an extensive list that will keep you learning and evolving throughout the pandemic and beyond!