The Paul Laurence Dunbar Library has been a PTRC since 2000. Our PTRC collection is located in the Information Commons area of the main library.
In 2013, we had 558 requests for patent and trademark information through email, telephone, appointments and a few IMs. Community presentations were well attended with 127 attendees. I created a Twitter™ account this year. I am currently using it to advertise workshops and to send out articles of interest. I included the feed on my LibGuide page. It is a handy way of updating workshop announcements. I also use it to advertise other entrepreneur events, on and off campus.
Our continued relationship with the Small Business Development Centers in the region is paying off dividends. I would say three quarters of our walk-ins are being referred to us from the SBDCs. I provided 9 intellectual property workshops during the year. We usually have 10 or more attending. Our numbers continue to grow in regards to those seeking trademark help.
I am an advisor to the Veterpreneur Academy here at Wright State. They established a “Vet Town,” a business incubator for veteran owned businesses. I provide one workshop and their students must schedule a one hour appointment to go over IP resources available to them on the internet and at the PTRC. They had 27 students in their past class.
Our library director stepped down in December to take another position on campus. We have not posted the position for University Librarian. It is leading many to speculate that we will follow the Chief Information Officer business model. We are hoping that a librarian will be selected for the job.
Ran Raider – PTRC Representative since 2000
President of the PTRCA