Your library skills are a powerful, often underestimated, entrepreneurial toolkit. This program reveals how core librarian competencies—like research, presenting, recording training videos, instructional design, audience analysis, and knowledge about the publication industry—are the perfect foundation for launching your own venture. We’ll explore how you can leverage these skills to design evergreen online courses, manage and monetize podcasts, create engaging TikToks, or start a publishing company. Discover how these ventures serve as the ultimate incubator for the project management and leadership skills essential for career advancement, all while leading with the "Aloha" of your own unique passion and vision.

The program begins with a high-energy “Human Spectrum” activity to spark engagement and highlight shared experiences around career goals, risk, and burnout. Participants will then take part in a structured peer-to-peer roundtable, using a guided worksheet to brainstorm business ideas based on their unique skills and leave with a tangible starting point. The program concludes with a moderated, interview-style Q&A featuring experienced librarian-entrepreneurs, providing practical insights and space for real-world questions.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This program is designed primarily for mid-career legal information professionals, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups, who are seeking new avenues for professional growth, financial resilience, and career autonomy. It is ideal for individuals who feel their advancement has plateaued or who are looking for ways to counter systemic barriers and burnout.

This program will be especially valuable for early-career professionals seeking to build a diverse skill set and strengthen their financial future, as well as for library managers and directors who want to foster innovation and support entrepreneurial growth among their staff. No prior business experience is required—only a willingness to explore new pathways for professional and personal development.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will analyze their unique professional skills and personal values to design a purpose-driven business concept (e.g., specialized consultancy, educational platform, niche publishing).
2. Participants will develop a sustainable business launch plan aimed at creating financial security, explicitly designed to counter systemic career barriers and prevent professional burnout.
3. Participants will articulate how an entrepreneurial venture develops high-demand leadership skills to enhance their professional value in current or future roles.

SPEAKERS:

• Courtney Toiaivao, Grey Letter Advisory
• Martin Korn, Golden Arrow Publishing
• Daisy De Anda, Dayz & Co. 

MODERATOR/COORDINATOR:

• Erica J. Miller, Jones Day

MODERATOR:

• C.A. "Dean" Deane, Cooley LLP

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Management + Business Acumen

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.