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Session 2541

The Evolution of the Patent and Trademark Depository Library and the Role of the Patent and Trademark Librarian in the Digital Age Karen S. Grigg North Carolina State University Libraries

Abstract

This paper discusses effective methods of delivering patent and trademark reference assistance that support the university and library’s mission of time- and location- independent service. The North Carolina State University Libraries is the sole Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) in the state of North Carolina and, as such, supports a diverse and geographically scattered clientele, including University faculty, staff and students, the extension community, and independent inventors. Each of these stakeholders has differing levels of expertise in patent searching, and different needs and expectations from the library. At the same time, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has produced a suite of web-based products that empower users as never before. Although these new tools are a step in the right direction, much work remains before the USPTO web site can be recommended as a stand-alone source for patrons. Librarians must add value by creating web sites and online tutorials for patent and trademark users, focusing on best practices for web page and tutorial design. Additionally, the patent and trademark subject specialist must effectively train reference staff to provide quality services to patent and trademark patrons. Librarians must bridge the gap between the users and the resources, and must serve as advocates for the user to the USPTO. Patent librarians must also work with faculty and students to integrate patent and trademark searching skills into the curriculum. Finally, as the role of the Patent and Trademark Depository Library in the digital age is changing, PTDLs must continually assess their success in providing time and location independent services.

I. Introduction

The Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program (PTDLP) was launched in 1871 and provided for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to print and distribute patents to participating libraries. According to USPTO, “Since 1977 the PTDL network has grown to four times its original size. Currently, about half of the membership is academic libraries with nearly as many public libraries.” 1 The Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program benefits the general public by allowing libraries to house collections of patents and for librarians to assist the public in accessing these patents. Although this paper focuses primarily on many of the issues, challenges, and opportunities experienced by academic patent and trademark depository libraries, many of the recommendations can be applied to public libraries participating in the program.

The North Carolina State University Libraries (NCSU Libraries) joined the Patent and

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright ©2003, American Society for Engineering Education 1

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Grigg, K. (2003, June), The Evolution Of The Patent And Trademark Depository Library And The Role Of The Patent And Trademark Librarian In The Digital Age Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12462