Embedding Libraries in the University Commercialization Process

Abstract

Universities are increasing efforts to assist faculty, students, and community partners to bring inventions to market. As state funding for higher education continues to shrink, universities are looking for new revenue streams to support teaching, research, and learning. Campus commercialization efforts are a strategy to promote economic development opportunities that benefit the community and society at large. Commercialization efforts on campus include technology transfer offices, incubator parks, and joint ventures between the university, investors, and corporate entities. Academic libraries have the opportunity to partner with campus technology transfer efforts and expand librarian roles and responsibilities to support commercialization, innovation,and entrepreneurship on campus