Business-focused programs and services available for free at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ)
According to a 2017 Harvard Business Review (HBR) article, lifelong learning is beneficial for “your health, your wallet, and your social life.” But, finding the funds to support the lifelong learning of yourself and your employees can become difficult and costly for a small business owner.
Luckily, Somerset County business owners don’t need to reach into their wallet for their credit cards … all they need is their Library Card. SCLSNJ offers myriad programs, services, and opportunities that help business professionals learn, research, and network - for free - both in the Library and also in the comfort of their own home.
Additionally, the Library System recently added to its growing suite of business resources to include the research service, DemographicsNow: Business and People Library Edition.
“With DemographicsNow, patrons can access information that would be prohibitively expensive to obtain elsewhere to target relevant markets and decide on locations for new or expansion business opportunities. As a bonus, patrons already using our Gale Small Business Builder resource can seamlessly use DemographicsNow to pull data to complete their business plans,” said SCLSNJ Collection Development Librarian Linda Tripp.
Programs exploring Quickbooks, Lynda.com, marketing best practices, IT security, and more will be hosted throughout the 10 branch system throughout 2018.
Introduction to Quickbooks
July 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Warren Twp. Library branch, located at 42 Mountain Boulevard in Warren Twp.
Explore Quickbooks with Central Jersey SCORE mentor and financial management expert, Josh Klar. This is an introductory session for basic users. Registration required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/652381.
Intro to Lynda.com
August 11, 11 a.m. - noon
SCLSNJ’s Somerville Library branch, located at 35 West End Avenue in Somerville
Lynda.com is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Learn how to use this informative, free resource. Registration required: sclsnj.libnet.info/somerset/event/753656.
Digital Marketing for Small Businesses: Tools and Services Hiding in Plain Sight
September 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Manville Library branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville
William Benz of Carnegie Agency will present how to make digital marketing less mysterious for the small business owner. Learn about digital resources to improve websites, email, social media, and search engine optimization. Registration required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/714333.
12 Critical IT Security Protections Every Business Must Have
October 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater
Explore the risks of mobile and cloud computing with Joseph Cusumano. Registration required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/621496.
Using Social Media to Market Your Business
October 16, 7-8:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Mary Jacobs Memorial Library branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill
Learn how to leverage social media to market your business in a competitive marketplace. Presented by Central Jersey SCORE. Registration required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/702654.
How to Start an Etsy Business
December 1, 10:30 a.m. - noon
SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield
Learn about how to sell your art, photography, vintage clothing, jewelry, food, bath and beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks, vintage toys, and more on Etsy. Registration required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/623696.
To schedule an appointment with a business librarian or to learn more about services available to the business professional, email business@sclibnj.org.
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