A key mission of the , and a core area of 51ԹϺ’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 , 51ԹϺ’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 51ԹϺ 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 51ԹϺ’s research into the community.
Here are several business services offered by the Libraries.
51ԹϺ Patent & Trademark Resources Center Powered by Switch
A partnership between Switch, the 51ԹϺ Libraries and the Wiener-Rogers Law Library, the assists local businesses in exploring their intellectual property options. Officially designated as a U.S. Patent & Trademark Center, the 51ԹϺ 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 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 .
Access to online databases
51ԹϺ students, faculty, and staff have access to through the 51ԹϺ Libraries, including . 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 service available on the 51ԹϺ campus.
Wall Street Journal & New York Times access
Through a program sponsored by the Provost’s office, 51ԹϺ students, faculty and staff have free access to the online. This newest service compliments the existing , 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 for additional information or to schedule a session.
