Access Key
PSU
Access is available to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff. Must be accessed from a University Libraries' webpage (including this one) when off-campus or using campus WiFi
PSU - VPN
Access is available to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff when connected to the GlobalProtect VPN
PSU & Alumni Library
Access is available to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff. Members of the Penn State Alumni Association can also access a version of this resource through the Alumni Library Online
PA Residents
Access is available to all Pennsylvania residents
Community
Access is available to everyone
Contact an Entrepreneurship Librarian
University Park
Entrepreneurship
Sara F. Hess
sfh5542@psu.edu
Schedule an online or in person research consultation with me at https://calendly.com
/sfh5542
Altoona
Entrepreneurship and Patents & Trademarks
Lori Lysiak
Consultations by appointment:
814-949-5252
lal29@psu.edu
Berks
Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Patents & Trademarks
Sarah Hartman-Caverly
smh767@psu.edu
610-396-6243
Accessing University Libraries Resources as an Alumni or Community User
The Penn State University Libraries (PSUL) are able to offer limited access to our resources and services to alumni and community library users - that is, anyone who is not a current Penn State student, faculty, or staff member. The purpose of this guide is to outline what we are able to offer alumni and community users doing research related to entrepreneurship, small business, and innovation topics, including starting your own business.
Alumni Association members
If you are a member of the Penn State Alumni Association, you have access to select PSUL-licensed online resources. More information about the Alumni Library, including how to gain access to these resources is available at:
- Alumni Library OnlineOnline resources available to members of the Penn State Alumni Association
All Pennsylvania Residents
Pennsylvania residents are able to check out physical materials, such as print books, from any PSUL location. To request and check out library materials:
- Go to accounts.psu.edu to create a Penn State Account
- Bring your Penn State Account information, including your 9-digit Penn State ID number and your access ID (such as abc5000) - along with a photo ID such as your driver's license - to any PSUL location
Once you've completed this process, you will also be able to use your Penn State Account to log into designated visitor computers when visiting one of our libraries. From these computers, you will be able to access many of our licensed materials, including databases, e-books, and e-journals. Walk-in access is not available for all databases.
Please note that even once you are able to access our licensed databases while using a PSUL computer on-site, you may not use the information provided for commercial purposes. These resources are generally licensed for educational use only, and using them for commercial purposes can jeopardize the entire Penn State community's access to them. If you have any questions about this restriction, please reach out to Sara Hess <sfh5542@psu.edu>, Business and Entrepreneurship Librarian at University Park.
Local Support
Pennsylvania Business Libraries
- Free Library of Philadelphia: Business Resource and Innovation CenterAssist entrepreneurs in the for-profit and nonprofit arenas at every stage, helping to improve their skills through public programs and individualized guidance in research and planning. A FLP library card is free to all Pennsylvania residents.
Access: PA Residents - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Small Business GuidanceThe Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh offers small business guidance in the form of books, business databases, and expert assistance. A CLP library card is free to all Pennsylvania residents.
Access: PA Residents
Counseling & Mentorship
- Happy Valley LaunchboxNo-cost accelerator and co-working space in State College, PA designed to provide startups with the support and resources needed to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. Sponsored by Penn State University
Access: Community - Invent Penn State Resource NavigatorSearchable list of entrepreneurship and innovation resources across PA, including additional Launchboxes and accelerators
Access: Community (access to listed resources varies) - Penn State Small Business Development CenterSBDC serving Centre, Mifflin, Clinton, & Lycoming counties, including PSU students. Offers free, one-on-one, long term advising for entrepreneurs and small businesses
Access: PA Residents (specific counties) - All SBDCs in PennsylvaniaAccess: PA Residents
- Central PA SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)SCORE chapter serving central PA, including State College. Offers workshops and mentoring
Access: PA Residents (specific counties) - All SCORE chapters in PennsylvaniaAccess: PA Residents
- Ben Franklin Technology PartnersProvides direct funding, business assistance, and networking opportunities to PA technology companies
Access: PA Residents
Getting Started
- PA Business One-Stop ShopInformation on starting a business in Pennsylvania
Access: Community - U.S. Small Business Administration Business GuideOverview of how to start, manage, and grow a business. Topics include:
- Doing market research
- Writing a business plan
- Funding a business
Access: Community - Small Business - USA.govDirectory of federal resources for starting, financing, and running a small business
Access: Community - Kauffman EntrepeneursSite created by the Ewing Marion Kaufmann Foundation with resources to help develop ideas and grow your business
Access: Community - Starting a Business - IRSInformation for new business owners about federal taxes. Includes links to state business and tax websites
Access: Community - Dare to Disrupt - Invent Penn State [Podcast]Dare to Disrupt is a podcast about Penn State alumni who are innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, and the stories behind their success
Access: Community
News & Magazines
Access: Community - the links provided in this section will take you to the main, public website of each newspaper or magazine