WE MOVED!
Please update your records with our new address: 800 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 204, Latham, NY 12110
A Message From the Director
Hi everyone,

I hope you are well and staying safe and healthy. 

As you know, we moved! We relocated to the NYSUT building in Latham at the end of October and are settling into our space. Thank you for understanding if there were any interruptions in service. We look forward to (eventually) welcoming you to our new space. 
In other big news, CDLC has submitted our proposal for administering IMLS American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for digital inclusion services and programs. Tentatively, our planned use of these funds falls into three components.

  • Digital Inclusion (in partnership with the Public Library Systems): Work with the systems to develop ADA-compliant websites for libraries and train staff on how to maintain these sites, and promote library resources that are accessible to all. Finally, we will offer professional development opportunities on digital inclusion topics. 

  • Museum-Library Partnerships: Provide sub-awards to museums and libraries. Projects will include in-person and online exhibits that highlight and reach underserved populations, create accessible lesson plans for secondary education students, and provide free digital access for learning opportunities.

  • School Library Systems: The systems will purchase a diverse collection of e-books/e-audiobooks for all students to access. 
 
We should get project approval in January 2022 and must expend funds by June 2022. We will keep you informed and hope to roll out our digital inclusion professional development calendar in early 2022. Get ready for a lot of activities and opportunities!
Connections
At the October Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved the appointment of two Board members. Welcome new trustees Kristi Beedon, Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES School Library System, and Michael Paulmeno, Skidmore College. Kristi and Mike fill the remaining terms of two vacant seats. I look forward to working with them in this new capacity.
Karin Howansky from the WSWHE BOCES School Library System is the new chair of our Committee on Resource Sharing. We appreciate Karin's leadership in overseeing this committee!
All are welcome to attend interest group meetings to connect with local colleagues. Upcoming virtual meetings are scheduled for the Capital Area Library Assistants, Reference Instruction and Outreach, High School to College, and Solo Librarian Interest Groups. Find a schedule and register here.
Nine CDLC academic libraries participate in the virtual reference service, Ask Us 24/7, administered by WNYLRC in Buffalo. CDLC continues to fully subsidize the cost, allowing members to provide students and faculty with virtual reference services. Virtual reference has always been an essential service, even more so recently. Members connect with libraries across the world that participate in this service. Contact me if you’d like to learn more.
Collections
What unique collections are in your library? Organized by the Collection Development Committee, a Unique Collections Guide is on our website. Complete this questionnaire to add your collections. 
A webinar, Priorities, Procedures, and Practices: First Responders and Cultural Collections, is scheduled for Thursday, December 9, 9:30-11:00 am and is designed to help libraries, archives, and museums work with first responders. This online program is free, and registration is required. Click here to register.
Statewide Collaborations
ESLN is offering Digital Privacy 101: A Primer for Librarians on Thursday, December 9, from 10 am-Noon, online via Zoom. Participants will have the opportunity to explore several key aspects of online privacy, as well as think about ways to educate and inform their patrons about digital privacy issues. Free to ESLN/CDLC members, registration is required. Please note that this session will not be recorded.
Member News
Congratulations and welcome to:
  • Andrea Belair, who has been appointed Archivist and Librarian at the Albany Institute of History & Art. Andrea was most recently in the Archives and Special Collections at Union College.

  • Kate Erwin, the new librarian at Glens Falls Hospital.

  • Christopher White, the new Director of Libraries at The Sage Colleges, succeeding Lisa Brainard, who retired. Chris had worked at Sage as their System and Interlibrary Loan Librarian and is a member of CDLC’s Regional Automation Committee.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

On behalf of the CDLC staff, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season. 

Kind Regards,
Did you know that CDLC offers personal membership for anyone who wants to support CDLC programs and services? There are several membership levels, and your membership and gift contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Thank you to our personal members!