A key mission of the UNLV Libraries, and a core area of UNLV’s Top Tier 2.0 strategic plan, is to stimulate the economic development of Southern Nevada. To help meet this mission, the Libraries has developed targeted outreach to support business leaders and entrepreneurs on campus and in the community.
“As the only research library in Southern Nevada, we offer free information resources and research assistance services to local businesses and business owners,” says Patrick Griffis, UNLV’s business librarian. “We can help local startup businesses who need market research information to create a business plan, or local businesses that need market research information to expand their business domestically and internationally.”
For the past 17 years, Griffis has been supporting the Southern Nevada business community through his work at the Libraries. Based in Lied Library, Griffis serves as the liaison to the students and faculty in the Lee Business School and provides outreach services to community and business professionals across the region.
“I have always been interested in how markets and economies work; especially in how businesses are created,” says Griffis, “I majored in business as an undergraduate student, and it is exciting working with students and faculty along with local businesses.”
Griffis helped establish partnerships with the UNLV Office of Economic Development and the Nevada Small Business Development Center to expand services outside of the Libraries. He also worked with the Las Vegas Chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives, StartupNV, and Manufacture Nevada to further expand UNLV’s research into the community.
Here are several business services offered by the Libraries.
UNLV Patent & Trademark Resources Center Powered by Switch
A partnership between Switch, the UNLV Libraries and the Wiener-Rogers Law Library, the UNLV Patent & Trademark Resources Center Powered by Switch assists local businesses in exploring their intellectual property options. Officially designated as a U.S. Patent & Trademark Center, the UNLV center provides consultations, educational workshops, one-on-one training, and other resources related to intellectual property.
Specialized research assistance
While Griffis specializes in business, he is a member of a team of librarians who provide subject expertise on topics ranging from urban affairs and the hospitality industry to education and humanities. Our librarians are available for in-depth research consultations either in person or virtually and can be scheduled online.
Access to online databases
UNLV students, faculty, and staff have access to hundreds of databases through the UNLV Libraries, including 60 online business databases. Community members can access databases by visiting Lied Library and using any of the guest computers available on the first floor or by using the guest wireless service available on the UNLV campus.
Wall Street Journal & New York Times access
Through a program sponsored by the Provost’s office, UNLV students, faculty and staff have free access to the Wall Street Journal online. This newest service compliments the existing New York Times academic pass, sponsored by the Libraries and the Weiner-Rogers Law Library, which provides similar free online access to the Times via your ACE Account.
Workshops on demand
Have a special interest or looking for a more in-depth presentation on a particular resource or service? Griffis can tailor workshops to meet the research needs of participants. These workshops can help you learn how to identify, access, evaluate and make effective use of business resources in various formats. Contact Griffis for additional information or to schedule a session.
