Entrepreneurial Library Program

The Entrepreneurial Library Program (ELP) supports the Sheridan Libraries through a unique combination of goals: by serving as a laboratory for the development of interactive, online delivery mechanisms for library services; by providing revenue streams to support the libraries' budget; by attracting a varied, skilled, and diverse work force; and by adding to the libraries' reputation for innovation. ELP meets these goals through the design and implementation of numerous services, chief among these is virtual information services, an ELP program that serves information seekers at a distance through customized services and products.

The Entrepreneurial Library Program at Sheridan Libraries of Johns Hopkins University has developed a growing program of innovative information services to external organizations and institutions.

Examples include:

• Virtual Library Services. Design, implementation and management of virtual library services for institutions in secondary and higher education, primarily focusing on institutions involved in distributed learning. These completely customized virtual libraries are designed to provide exceptional and cost effective information services and to meet all applicable accreditation and licensing standards.
  
  
• KnowledgeNET. A virtual library service for Johns Hopkins alumni. Customized alumni services to other universities and colleges are also available.
  
  
• Special Events Rental Program. Offering beautiful and historic events space at the George Peabody Library and the Evergreen House, both located in Baltimore, Maryland.
  
  
• Hopkins History Enterprises. Providing editorial and oral history services for the Hopkins community and beyond.
  
  
• Cogito. A virtual library for talented youth in science and math in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
  
  
• Retail Sales. Selling prints and greeting cards of the Sheridan Libraries.
  
  

Upcoming projects:

• Corporate Services, providing customized information profiling for clients, competitive intelligence, information assets and analysis on all topics, and information literacy workshops.
  
  
• K-12 Services, for high school students participating in online, advanced placement, and/or international baccalaureate courses.
  
  
• Content Services, for biotechnology companies on the Johns Hopkins Montgomery County Campus.
  

While the Sheridan Libraries provide these services primarily from their facilities in Baltimore, Maryland, staff may be located elsewhere in the United States. Our programs seek to provide a national model.

We welcome your questions and inquiries about our entrepreneurial initiatives. To do so, please send Barbara Pralle an e-mail message.   

Meet Entrepreneurial Library Program Staff