Best Practices and InventorFest: Community Partners and Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDLs)

The purpose of this article is to discuss the development and implementation of InventorFest at a Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) located at the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County. This three-day convention-like event for independent inventors and entrepreneurs is an example of how PTDLs not only raise awareness of library services and resources but contribute to a community’s economic development. Educational activities are presented for children, teens, and adults related to intellectual property and inventing. To successfully plan such an event, community partnerships are developed between neighboring PTDLs, local inventor groups, and like-minded regional organizations. Programs such as InventorFest are vital to a PTDLs future growth and existence.