Generative AI is a hot discussion topic these days.  While artificial intelligence isn’t new, ChatGPT, Gemini, and other publicly available artificial intelligence tools are emerging as the latest in a long line of disrupters.  Disrupters aren’t necessarily negative.  In fact, I’m very grateful to be able to write this post on a laptop computer instead of a typewriter!  Smart phones, microwave ovens, personal computers, electricity, broadband internet, indoor plumbing, and more have changed our lives in significant ways.  These innovations are in existence because people worked diligently to solve problems they and others faced in everyday life.  The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has myriad resources highlighting the lives of innovators as well as information for those who have entrepreneurial dreams of their own. 

As summer approaches, feed your curiosity about those who have made this warm season extra special.  Biography Reference Source features brief articles on over 450,000 individuals including the inventor of summer backyard fun, Lonnie Johnson and Ron Toomer, creator of summer amusement park thrills.  Road trips, a summer tradition for many, are much safer due to the ingenuity of Mary Anderson and Florence Lawrence.  I cannot imagine driving down the road without windshield wipers or turn and brake signals.

For those pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, MeL has valuable resources without the paywall. Small Business Source provides state specific start up information as well as eBooks from NOLO press such as the Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business, Patent, Copyright & Trademark, and How to Write a Business Plan. AtoZdatabases provides demographic and existing business information for those conducting market research and developing business plans.  EBSCO’s eBook Business Collection contains indispensable titles for aspiring entrepreneurs such as 6 Essentials to Start & Succeed in Your Own Business:  What Top Entrepreneurs Know, That Others Don’t and Business in the 21^st Century: A Sustainable Approach.

Whether satisfying your curiosity about your super soaker’s origin story, feeling the wind whip through your hair while courageously riding the latest and greatest steel roller coaster, or finally deciding to take the plunge and beginning your own business adventure, MeL has resources to make your summer season unforgettable!

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact [email protected] for help.