Building a Better Mousetrap

Abstract

Businesses and inventors require timely and complete information relative to the new products they are developing. Requests for business information often require an understanding of an industry that goes beyond the scope of services provided by the library. It is important for the librarian to build linkages to community business resources such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), or others whose purpose is to assist local businesses, inventors, and new product developers. Patent and trademark searches and other research related to new products present an ideal way for librarians and community business consultants to work together. Such a relationship exists on the campus of Central Missouri State University where library staff and the staff of the SBDC on campus have assisted new product developers by providing patent and trademark searches, and technology and market research. Many clients of this partnership have successfully brought products and services to the marketplace.