Evaluation of the Business & IP Centre National Network
The British Library Business and IP Centre provides business support through insights and access to free resources, training and events. The centre and its network specialise in IP advice and business databases, providing a free service which can be accessed by businesses through their local, public libraries.
ERS produced a report in 2023 which detailed the value of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s £13 million investment to fund an expanded service with greater geographical reach, through the creation of a hub and spoke model. Our evidence gathering process involved: (i) consultations with 20 ‘hub’ libraries; (ii) consultations with ten ‘spoke’ libraries; (iii) analysis of secondary monitoring information collected by the BIPC team; (iv) creation and analysis of survey an e-survey, which generated 1,510 responses.
ERS’ report detailed the impact of BIPC operations, demonstrating that demand for the service remains high, the service quality is high and that outcomes for business and the wider economy are substantial and represent excellent value for money.
