In 2016, the WondÔÇÖry was established to support creative innovation at Vanderbilt. Since that time, the WondÔÇÖry has matured into a robust entrepreneurial playground for designers, builders, and aspiring start-ups, where students connect their academic studies with passions for product development and undergraduates gain immersive experience. Since the 2016 launch of the WondÔÇÖry, VanderbiltÔÇÖs Innovation Center, the libraries have provided programming, mentorship, and guidance for research.
The Wond’ry Sullivan Family programs have an increasing number of participants that are geographically dispersed throughout the Southeast and, otherwise, do not have a current Vanderbilt affiliation. ┬áParticipants in the Ideator Program spend 3 weeks learning tools and resources to evaluate an idea, while those in the Builder program gain support for launching a viable early-stage idea into a new venture. ┬á┬áThis means the research expertise of the university libraries has been able to reach a larger audience. It has also created challenges: How can the WondÔÇÖry engage participants who donÔÇÖt have access to VanderbiltÔÇÖs paywalled resources? What does support look like for these innovator cohorts? How do library services for the WondÔÇÖry differ from traditional university research projects?
To meet the research needs of WondÔÇÖry participants, Lead Regional Instructor, Shannon Ware, had an idea, on-demand virtual support and stand-alone videos are the key to effective engagement with regional participants. Associate Director of the Management Library Kelly LaVoice was excited to meet this need. LaVoice developed and recorded a version of the Management LibraryÔÇÖs popular workshop on market research. Unlike the Owen Graduate School version of the workshop, the WondÔÇÖry video highlights public and open access resources available to entrepreneurs no matter their Vanderbilt affiliation. According to LaVoice, ÔÇ£A primary goal of the video is to open the eyes of participants to the wealth of quality, sometimes hidden information, regardless of access to VanderbiltÔÇÖs world-class licensed resources and global collections.ÔÇØ Ware incorporated the workshop into the WondÔÇÖry online learning module, and the research questions began to pour in. To meet the growing need for one-on-one research consultations with innovators, the Management Library established an on-demand referral program for WondÔÇÖry participants.
Business librarians meet with Vanderbilt affiliated and nonaffiliated-WondÔÇÖry teams to work through their unique information needs. For those participants without access to VanderbiltÔÇÖs premium content, databases and research tools, librarians creatively formulate searches through other means, such as government agencies, thought leaders, trade associations, local libraries, and the open internet. According to Director of Management Library Hilary Craiglow, ÔÇ£WondÔÇÖry participants are motivated researchers who are passionate about their projects. Good, quality information increases the likelihood of bringing innovation to market and enhances business proposals and investment pitches.ÔÇØ The WondÔÇÖry ┬áhas a strong record of successful growth. In WareÔÇÖs view, the libraries are a practical partner in this work and recognize the value that librarians bring to an entrepreneur: ÔÇ£Libraries are fundamental to market research, market sizing, business plans and patent research. They are preparing an entrepreneur to launch a new venture. Students rely on library services and expertise to bring their ideas to fruition.ÔÇØ
The Sullivan Family Ideator Program at the WondÔÇÖry helps aspiring university-affiliate innovators (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) evaluate and develop their ideas by teaching an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation and offering expert mentorship and access to resources. Participants can receive microgrants if they demonstrate a strong commitment to their idea and its merit. Completing the program and demonstrating product-solution fit can lead to further opportunities, such as eligibility for the National Science FoundationÔÇÖs I-Corps Program and the WondÔÇÖryÔÇÖs Builder Program. The Builder Program at the WondÔÇÖry helps university-affiliated innovators with a validated early-stage idea. Builder is the perfect next step for graduates of the Sullivan Family Ideator Program and those wanting to learn how to launch a venture or pursue a licensing deal.
Regarding the ongoing partnership of Heard Libraries and the WondÔÇÖry, University Librarian Jon Shaw noted, ÔÇ£The WondÔÇÖry is an exemplary model for campus-wide engagement that expands opportunities for faculty, students, and staff to design, make and create to solve problems. The WondÔÇÖryÔÇÖs partnership with the Library enhances VanderbiltÔÇÖs reputation as a leader in entrepreneurial education and regional development.ÔÇØ