In America today, the economic vitality of local communities relies heavily upon the growth of small business. Studies show that at least 60% of new job creation originates at that level. Library districts are recognizing their supportive role in the growth of local economies by reaching out to the business community. For libraries, this undertaking is entirely new while others have been providing such opportunities for a long time.

The formation of a CAL Business Services Interest Group offers business librarians opportunities to share, exchange, and discuss information and issues regarding effective outreach to the business community.

Chair: Colbe Galston, Business Librarian, Douglas County Libraries
cgalston@dclibraries.org
720-328-9502

2012 Meeting Dates 
February 8 - Virtual meeting using Adobe Connect through State Library (details to follow) | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
May 9 - Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock  - Philip S. Miller | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
August 8 - Arapahoe Public Library | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
November 14 - Fort Collins Library | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Update - March 2009

Since its approval by the CAL Board of Trustees at the January 2009 meeting, twenty-five librarians have expressed an interest in joining the fledgling CAL Business Services Interest Group (BSIG) group. Although our membership is primarily centered in the vicinity of metro Denver, this new interest group is drawing interested parties as far away as Grand Junction, Pueblo and Greeley.

Our first meeting was held on Feb 25th at Arapahoe Library District’s Smoky Hill Branch. Our three hour meeting progressed very quickly and the discussion was quite lively. A new communications network was established among business librarians in both the public and academic spheres and the wise sages at the meeting certainly expressed a willingness to impart their valuable knowledge to those who are relatively new to the field.

Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2009
February 25, 2009