Library Triage for Small Businesses
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Innovation Synopsis
Library Triage is a monthly program offering “first aid” to neighboring small businesses and the community at large. As a response to COVID-19, Library Triage is a library-on-the-go with information about different library resources supporting small business revitalization and growth.
Challenge/Opportunity
The owner of a business in the same plaza as a library branch sought assistance from staff to comply with local COVID-19 requirements. MDPLS staff assisted with printing and helped her edit and update her menu with QR code access. Staff realizing that this service would benefit other businesses developed the program concept.
Key Elements of Innovation
Library Triage raises awareness of MDPLS’s resources for small businesses and entrepreneurship. A miniature mobile library was created to provide local businesses with a monthly "check up". A bilingual two-person team, equipped with carefully curated books and info about different business centered databases and library services sets out to build one-on-one connections with neighboring small businesses. Staff return the following month with customized follow-up materials and resources.
Achieved Outcomes
Library Triage connects 43 businesses with library resources such as programs, collections and staff expertise. It has been a lifeline during COVID-19 while local businesses are recovering from closures. Services include printing, copier and scanner services, virtual programming, business-related e-content and databases and reference assistance. Small business owners have also received help to improve Microsoft Office skills and access business related databases offered by MDPLS they would not have used otherwise.