We are pleased to invite CT libraries to participate in the Lead Your Library Pilot program where you will engage in a practical overview of the CT Vision for Resource Sharing. Whether or not your library is attending the Lead Your Library training sessions currently underway, your library is invited to participate in the Pilot program.

In order to embrace a learn-unlearn-relearn and “long now” mindset - a holistic way of thinking that includes the best ideas from yesterday and the most dynamic visions from tomorrow in order to create robust and successful resource sharing vision today, the CT State Library ACLPD Resource Sharing Committee is seeking to enhance CT libraries ability to anticipate and respond to imminent social, technological, environmental, economic, political and consumption trends through Strategic Foresight pertaining to resource sharing. To this end, it desires to strengthen CT libraries capacity to engage in robust resource sharing beyond the present literacy and practice.

Pilot will take place June 15th through August 15th. Timing is flexible based on availability of Pilot leads.

For more information, contact Dawn La Valle at dawn.lavalle@ct.gov.

September 1 | Applications Due

Public library construction grants fund one-half of total project costs up to a maximum of $1 million. The minimum projected project cost must be $60,000. All interested libraries MUST submit a “Notice of Intent” form by June 30. Applications will be due by September 1. The Notice of Intent form, Timetable and Guidelines, and other explanatory documents are available on our Construction Grants page.

To help meet the spending priorities of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Connecticut State Library (CSL) is expanding workforce development offerings for libraries and residents across Connecticut. IMLS has established the high priority spending categories for the ARPA as digital connectivity, pandemic related needs, and accessibility.

With this support, CSL is providing access to Workforce Solutions from EBSCO free to public libraries through September 2022. If you already linked to Job & Career Accelerator on your library website, Workforce Solutions content is already included. If not, public libraries can find their link.

LearningExpress Workforce Solutions (featuring Job & Career Accelerator) contains hundreds of resources to help users achieve high school equivalency, explore jobs and careers, prepare for occupational certification exams, and develop the core knowledge and skills that are essential to workplace success. 

Targeted Learning Centers Include:

Training dates for Workforce Solutions are scheduled for June. You can find information in the Workshops and Programs section above and by visiting our calendar.

Learn more about researchIT CT by contacting Brad Bullis at bradley.bullis@ct.gov.

There is good news and bad news regarding the rollout of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) application process. The good news is that the FCC announced that over 1 million people were signed up in very short order. This is seen as a strong argument for a permanent program and continuing to show impact in this way can only get us closer to that goal. 

On the downside, there has been evidence of some controversial interpretations of the mandate by the commercial ISP providers and these interpretations of the rules are creating obstacles to signing up those most in need. Some of the language put out by a few of the providers has convinced users that they must agree in advance to continue internet service after the benefit expires and to pay the regular, higher commercial cost for the service at that time. This is not in the spirit of the EBB. 

Thus, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) is asking advocates and those working with patrons to apply for the benefits, to pay close attention to the fine print put out by the ISPs and report anything that seems to be in violation of the terms originally announced by the FCC.

Please document and share worrisome text or requirements that you encounter, we will forward to the NDIA and to the CT State Broadband Policy Coordinator, both of whom are communicating regularly with the FCC and asking them to clarify the rules with providers promptly. Pass your notes along to christine.gauvreau@ct.gov. 

Announcing New Tutorials Added to Niche Academy!

Presented by Vikki C. Terrile, MSLS, MA, this interactive virtual training introduced participants to family homelessness in the United States, specifically family homelessness in Connecticut, and how libraries can support children and families in homeless situations. This training shared:

We will be providing more learning opportunities around family homelessness and are looking to bring in some additional state partners to share further information about the structure of resources in Connecticut.

CSL continues to purchase content to coincide with libraries joining the eGO program and rolling it out to their patrons. Last month we added 56 new titles including Nutmeg Book Award nominees, titles for librarians, books by Connecticut Authors and books about Connecticut, backlist bestsellers, and ten new Spanish language titles. Since the Phase One rollout of the eGO program in February 2020, CSL has purchased 5,484 titles. The DPLA Open Bookshelf has grown to 10,518 simultaneous use titles that can be downloaded and kept – no loan periods and no waiting!

There are now 91 libraries that have gone live in the SimplyE app. Of the 191 public libraries in Connecticut, 154 are configured in the SimplyE app.

Interested in joining SimplyE? Contact Brad Bullis at bradley.bullis@ct.gov.

Browse this growing collection, including the titles above, accessible using the SimplyE app. Does your library participate in the eGO CT program?

These are just some highlights! We've got lots more professional development titles in our collection.

Interested in borrowing any of these titles? Contact Judy Crooks at judy.crooks@ct.gov.

Our many email discussion lists for the library community help you connect with your peers, whether you're in the office or working from home. Conntech has the greatest reach across the state, and both Goodnightmoon for children's services and Speak for YA services have lively discussions and professional interchange.