Local businesses are an essential part of what makes Addison such a vibrant and connected community. At the Addison Public Library, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals at every stage—from those just getting started to long-time business owners looking to grow—by offering valuable resources, tools, and connections that make a difference.
We sat down with Matt Williams, our Business Services Specialist, to learn more about how he supports Addison’s business community—and what surprises people most when they learn what the library can offer.
How do you work with Addison businesses?
One of the key parts of my role is to connect our business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to help them grow their business in Addison. That could entail connecting them with getting a library card, accessing databases, hosting workshops and networking opportunities, and so much more! I also help connect business owners to other community resources like the services through the Village of Addison.
What’s something that surprises business owners when you share library resources that are available to them?
Everyone is always amazed by all that they can access at their library! Our business owners have really appreciated having access to a vast collection of databases that they can use for market research and professional development. Oftentimes, these databases can cost the business owner quite a bit of money, so free access through the library is a huge cost saver. The Creative Studio is a nice surprise when business owners find out they can do large format printing at the library for a lower cost than printing at a big box store.
What are some online tools all business owners should explore with their library card?
ReferenceSolutions is a great tool that can be used to create targeted marketing lists and look at who is in your community or what other businesses exist. Many businesses use this to find out where their competition is at as well as where some new opportunities may be.
Business owners also love our training resources—Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Gale Courses. While some business owners will use these resources for personal professional development, some will share our training tools with their staff as well.
What kinds of business-related programs or workshops do you offer at the library?
Every month at the Addison Public Library, we have at least two small business/entrepreneurship programs. All of the programs are open to anyone; you do not need to live in Addison or have an Addison Public Library card to attend. Each month we also partner with SCORE Business Mentoring for one of our workshops.
You can also catch up on past business-related programs on our YouTube channel! We regularly upload recordings of virtual workshops and presentations so you can watch and learn on your own schedule.
What emerging trends or technologies are shaping business librarianship today?
AI has definitely been an emerging topic that has impacted the business community. The main question I get is how can businesses utilize it and are there any legal ramifications for using AI. I will say for the legal ramifications, I recommend chatting with a business attorney. To answer how businesses and entrepreneurs can utilize it, it can help you get started with a business plan, assist with a marketing campaign, and so much more! The big takeaway though is that AI is just a tool! Please do not just copy exactly what AI puts out, especially facts and figures. Contact me if you need any help with getting started with your research.
Anything else you'd like to share?
There is a great business networking group that is starting up in Addison, called Addison Business Exchange, which is a newly formed, grassroots networking group dedicated to strengthening and supporting the Addison business community. For more information, email: addisonbusinessexchange@gmail.com
In addition, the library is supported by local property taxes, and with our thriving commercial and industrial sector, a lot of that support comes from the business community. Thank you to all the Addison businesses who make our work possible!
Ready to take your business to the next level?
We’re here to help. Whether you're in need of market research tools, professional development for your team, or connections with other entrepreneurs, Addison Public Library is proud to serve the local business community.
To learn more or set up a one-on-one appointment with Matt, visit addisonlibrary.org/business-services or give us a call at 630.543.3617.