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November 2024 | Vol. 11 No. 8 | |
Initiatives & Announcements | | |
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Announcing the Connecticut State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards 2025
We are pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural CT State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Awards, which will open for nominations in January 2025 with the announcements and ceremony taking place in the Spring of 2025.
The Awards are designed to honor and celebrate outstanding public libraries—those that demonstrate excellence in service and innovative programming, and have a profound impact on their communities.
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The Awards aim to highlight the exceptional work of public libraries, encouraging growth and evolution in library services and acknowledging libraries’ outstanding contributions while inspiring others to strive for excellence in serving their communities.
Open to all public libraries within the state, the Awards categories are:
- Community Engagement
- Innovative Programming
- Outstanding Children's Services
- Technology Integration
- Advancement in Literacy and Education
- Civic Champion
- Cultural Amplifier and Heritage Preservation
- Accessibility and Inclusion
Libraries can be nominated by local legislators, peers, patrons, or staff members, and self-nominating will be encouraged. A diverse panel of reviewers, including library professionals, educators, community leaders, and representatives from the State Library, will evaluate nominations and select awards recipients.
We will be sharing additional information in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned!
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Please join us as we kick off our newest initiative, Towards Inclusive Accessibility in Libraries (TIAL) with the first of a three-part series with Dr. Clayton Copeland, director of the Laboratory for Leadership in Equity of Access and Diversity (LLEAD) at the University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science.
Libraries have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone in their communities. Through principles of universal design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), libraries can create and enhance access and accessibility for all patrons, including the one in four Americans who are labeled as having disabilities.
This webinar will provide a framework to bring IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Solutions) to libraries and to the communities they serve.
Upon successful completion of the webinar, participants should be able to:
- Define and describe foundational concepts and principles related to accessibility and disability and many of the ways these concepts and principles impact libraries
- Apply these principles to begin fostering accessible communication, programming, services, and marketing in their libraries
Online resources will be provided and there will be opportunities for Q&A and discussion.
**NOTE: If you are not able to attend the webinar and would like to receive the recording, please register for the event or complete the waitlist.
Upcoming workshops in this series:
Developing an Accessibility Lens
Tuesday, December 17 | 10:00-11:30 am
Register for Developing an Accessibility Lens
Taking Action with Accessibility
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 am
Register for Taking Action with Accessibility
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After The Futures School: Integrating Strategic Foresight
Presented by the CT State Library Division of Library Development and TFSX
Tuesday, November 12 | 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Register for After The Futures School
On November 12, the CT State Library Division of Library Development in partnership with TFSX (formerly The Futures School), will host a virtual gathering highlighting library alumnus from over four years of collaboration on Transformation for Libraries: The Futures School.
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Panelists will discuss perspectives, learnings, and the future of foresight in libraries, sharing their experiences on how they are implementing foresight within the library context for planning, partnerships, and beyond. Together, we will engage in conversation on how to build and integrate foresight as a core competency for the library profession in collaboration with our national library partners, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, American Library Association, library schools, and others.
Dawn La Valle, Director of the Division of Library Development at the CT State Library will share how the CT State Library recently applied foresight practices to its own Strategic Framework process taking an innovative approach towards envisioning its own future and thus positioning the agency to become more adaptive, resilient, and transformative.
For more information, please see the full description in the Workshops & Programs section below.
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Perfect for anyone who would like to bring a new and fresh community program into their local library with a focus on energizing and engaging families with children 3 to 12 years old, this virtual, interactive, live series will provide a framework for creating engaging and accessible community engagement programs for families.
The framework outlines ways in which The GIANT Room partners with librarians to bring community publication programs into libraries through “Remix Publication Stations,” as well as in-person family STEM workshops. GIANT Remix is a new program funded by the CT State Library, DLD, for local libraries through which families will be given “creative missions” to contribute writings, illustrations, and ideas to “community books” and “trading cards” throughout the year.
Consider attending if you are a library director, department head, librarian, library staff, or plan to do any type of outreach in your community.
Upcoming workshops in the series:
Wednesday, November 20 | 10:00 am-noon
Register for Community Engagement Through Hands-On Creative STEM Building, Part 2
Thursday, December 5 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Register for Community Engagement Through Hands-On Creative STEM Building, Part 3
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DLD's New Home Page
Exciting news: DLD is revealing our all-new Home Page today, Friday, November 1!
With an eye towards accessibility, the new DLD home page is designed to be user friendly and allow visitors to find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
Have our home page bookmarked? No problem! The URL remains the same, which means you won’t have to do anything to locate the new site – just go to the page you’ve always used to find us!
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Upcoming in the Reimagining Library Outreach and Access Series
Join us for the journey of Reimagining Library Outreach and Access, a nine-month series of 10 workshops through March 2025 that will provide library staff with strategies, tools, and frameworks to expand their reach and impact within their communities.
Using their own library and local data, participants have the opportunity to evaluate barriers to access within their own communities and to reconsider their approach to outreach utilizing their existing assets and structures.
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To learn more, explore the Libraries Without Borders LibGuide.
Social Media as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies (Part 1)
Wednesday, November 13 | 1:00-4:00 pm
Register: Social Media (Part 1)
Social Media as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies (Part 2)
Thursday, November 14 | 1:00-4:00 pm
Register: Social Media (Part 2)
Community Canvassing as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies
Tuesday, December 10 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Register: Community Canvassing
Optimizing Community/ Library Partnerships
Wednesday, January 15 | 1:00-4:00 pm
Models for Expanding Access through Community Partnerships
Tuesday, February 4 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Developing Internal Processes and Systems for Ongoing Outreach
Thursday, March 6 | 1:00-4:00 pm
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This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the CT State Library. | |
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Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
All information, programs, resources, and services related to CT libraries have been curated and organized and are only a click away! The information you need can be found on DLD's LibGuides, which offers the most comprehensive overview of library information in CT, including:
Bookmark our homepage and add it to your desktop!
And remember, your DLD Library Liaison is also your go-to resource for answers to all your questions.
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CT Public Libraries FY2024 Annual Report Update
Thank you to the 173 libraries that submitted their FY2024 CT Public Libraries’ Annual Report data to us! As we review the reports, a major trend is emerging: eAudio downloads are up in libraries across the state!
Stay tuned for more information, as well as the Statistical Profile in December.
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This program may be a viable alternative for libraries that don't want to apply to participate in the FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program. We believe this cycle is a 70/30 split on cost (70% CISA, 30% applicant) with a 4-year performance period. | |
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E-Rate News
Action Required: Updated E-Rate Procedures
Since 2016, the CT State Library has been pleased to administer the Connecticut Libraries Fiber Consortium (CLFC), which distributed $3.6 million in state bond funds to help libraries get high-speed fiber connections to their libraries.
With the final dispersal of funds for the Fiber to the Library grant program, the Consortium is ending. With this discontinuation, the CT State Library will no longer be conducting the consortium competitive bidding for internet for public libraries who currently have a dark fiber IRU connection.
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In an effort to ease the transition, the CT State Library will be offering transition assistance. Please note that there is extensive training for Form 470 available on the Universal Services Administrative Company’s (USAC) website.
New Requirements
Beginning this fall, each affected library must do the following:
File a Form 470.
- Libraries who need to file a Form 470 should make time to upload this outreach to vendors during September, October, or November.
Evaluate vendor responses according to a USAC-model rubric.
- Libraries must set aside hours to evaluate internet provider bids before January 10.
Select their vendor before they can file for a discount during the January-March application window.
Transition Assistance
Daily training sessions were held during the week of September 9, 2024. If you were unable to attend, please schedule an appointment with Chris to have your questions answered. Chris is remaining State E-Rate Coordinator and will continue to consult with public libraries and give instructions to public libraries on E-Rate.
In addition, feel free to email Chris at Christine.Gauvreau@ct.gov if you need additional assistance in filing.
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EPC Administrative Window Opened October 15, 2024
The EPC administrative window opened on Tuesday, October 15 and will close shortly before the FY2025 application filing window opens in early 2025. After this time, applicant profiles will be locked, and you will not be able to make changes to your profile information.
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During the EPC Administrative Window, please check to be sure that your administrator, user information, and library square footage are up to date. | |
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Connecticut Libraries & Partners for Digital Equity
Do you have your State Digital Equity Capacity Grant project outlines underway?
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While the applications are not expected until December or January, now is the time to put together your project!
The November Member Meeting will be devoted to providing lessons based on distinct elements of the IMLS Regional Digital Navigator Sharing Plan that could be used for preparing state capacity grant collaborations, partnerships, needs assessments, applications, budgets, etc. Join us!
Tuesday, November 26 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 844 2839 7555
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Professional Development & Continuing Education | | |
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Using Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Solutions (IDEAS) to Foster a Welcoming Library
Wednesday, November 6 | 10:00-11:30 am
Register for Using Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Solutions to Foster a Welcoming Library
Please join us as we kick off our newest initiative, Towards Inclusive Accessibility in Libraries (TIAL) with the first of a three-part series with Dr. Clayton Copeland, director of the Laboratory for Leadership in Equity of Access and Diversity (LLEAD) at the University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science.
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Libraries have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone in their communities. Through principles of universal design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), libraries can create and enhance access and accessibility for all patrons, including the one in four Americans who are labeled as having disabilities.
This webinar will provide a framework to bring IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Solutions) to libraries and to the communities they serve.
Upon successful completion of the webinar, participants should be able to:
- Define and describe foundational concepts and principles related to accessibility and disability and many of the ways these concepts and principles impact libraries
- Apply these principles to begin fostering accessible communication, programming, services, and marketing in their libraries
Online resources will be provided and there will be opportunities for Q&A and discussion.
**NOTE: If you are not able to attend the webinar and would like to receive the recording, please register for the event or complete the waitlist.
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In fact, the past few years have pushed us, and in some cases made us scramble, to discover and experiment with new technologies and tools, to train our staff and community, and to look for new ways of doing our core activities.
This presentation introduces emerging technology trends and shows how those trends are reshaping library services. Examples are provided of how to incorporate and adapt these evolving trends into libraries.
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Session 6, Part 1: Social Media as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies with Libraries Without Borders
Wednesday, November 13 | 1:00-4:00 pm
Register for Social Media, Part 1
In this two-part workshop, we will overview how to utilize social media as an effective tool for increasing library awareness.
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Participants will leave with the ability to comprehensively describe social media's effectiveness as a communication tool, to track and analyze social media insights via the Meta platform, and to develop social media promotion strategies and awareness campaigns for their own library.
The first workshop will include a working session that offers a deep dive into using data to inform a library's social media strategy. The second workshop will include a working session for participants to design their own content calendar and/or social media content.
This session is part of the Reimagining Library Outreach and Access series of 10 workshops taking place through March 2025 that will provide library staff with strategies, tools, and frameworks to expand their reach and impact within their communities. Using their own library and local data, participants have the opportunity to evaluate barriers to access within their own communities and to reconsider their approach to outreach utilizing their existing assets and structures.
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Session 6, Part 2: Social Media as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies with Libraries Without Borders
Thursday, November 14 | 1:00-4:00 pm
Register for Social Media, Part 2
In this two-part workshop, we will overview how to utilize social media as an effective tool for increasing library awareness.
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Participants will leave with the ability to comprehensively describe social media's effectiveness as a communication tool, to track and analyze social media insights via the Meta platform, and to develop social media promotion strategies and awareness campaigns for their own library.
The first workshop will include a working session that offers a deep dive into using data to inform a library's social media strategy. The second workshop will include a working session for participants to design their own content calendar and/or social media content.
This session is part of the Reimagining Library Outreach and Access series of 10 workshops taking place through March 2025 that will provide library staff with strategies, tools, and frameworks to expand their reach and impact within their communities. Using their own library and local data, participants have the opportunity to evaluate barriers to access within their own communities and to reconsider their approach to outreach utilizing their existing assets and structures.
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The framework outlines ways in which The GIANT Room partners with librarians to bring community publication programs into libraries through “Remix Publication Stations” as well as in-person family STEM workshops. GIANT Remix is a new program funded by the CT State Library, DLD, for local libraries through which families will be given “creative missions” to contribute writings, illustrations, and ideas to “community books” and “trading cards” throughout the year.
This session is one of three sessions as part of The GIANT Room professional development for the Remix program. Librarians are encouraged to join all three sessions - we will share recordings of the sessions with those who register for the workshop in case you cannot join the live session.
Key take-aways:
- Participating librarians will have a chance to brainstorm on the themes for GIANT Remix stations to better align with their library programs such as monthly themes, summer reading, holidays, visiting author book readings, and more.
- Participating librarians will be introduced to AI tools that make these community publications possible. Expect fun and interactive activities using AI to bring your ideas to life. These activities are designed to help librarians work with creative AI tools in a very engaging and accessible way.
- Participating librarians will be considered to be chosen as one of the stations that receives GIANT Remix Stations and Family Events, free of charge, in their libraries.
Select libraries from those registered for the workshops will receive 5 copies of the final book publications and trading cards to add to their library collection as well as a link to the e-book publication which families could access free of charge at home. This is a wonderful program for your community to gain a sense of belonging to their local library, keep coming back to the library to make more publications and read their books, and invite other families to join the program.
Join us to brainstorm, learn, and dream the next series of community publications for your library!
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Customer Service Tune-Up: Tips to Help You Care for Yourself as You Care for Others
Tuesday, November 19 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Register for Customer Service Tune-Up
You already know a great deal about customer service. You’ve experienced a wide range of behavior as you do your best to satisfy your patrons, but sometimes it can feel a bit lonely as you struggle to balance your library’s policies with the endless requests that make up your job.
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In this two-hour Zoom workshop, the goal is for you to make small, sustainable changes that will keep you focused and energized. You’ll share best practices, experiment with a range of strategies for resolving conflict, learn why investing in yourself is critical, and to top it off – you’ll have fun as you help each other.
At the end of the session, you’ll have a personalized plan to help you maintain the essential balance of providing excellent customer service while caring for yourself.
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Youth Services Critical Conversations
Tuesday, November 19 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Register for Youth Services Critical Conversations
Relationship-building, professional learning cohorts, and idea sharing are integral ways for library staff to stay inspired, engaged, innovative, and intentional. To this end, the Division of Library Development will begin to hold Youth Services Critical Conversations to serve as an informal and open-ended opportunity for Youth Services folks in Connecticut to connect, talk, idea-share, and build community.
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Four times a year, the Connecticut State Library will provide a virtual space for youth services, early learning, school-age, and teen services workers in public libraries to come together. While Zoom sessions will be hosted by Children/Young Adult Consultant, Kym Powe, conversations are intended to center on and run primarily with public library voices.
Bring your successes, questions, ideas, and challenges! Ask questions and ask for resources. What supports are needed, what information is needed, help us help you!
These meetings are intended as interactive spaces, so we ask that registrants have a camera, microphone, and a designated space to allow for vocal conversation. These meetings will be driven by voices of attendees!
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The framework outlines ways in which The GIANT Room partners with librarians to bring community publication programs into libraries through “Remix Publication Stations” as well as in-person family STEM workshops. GIANT Remix is a new program funded by the CT State Library, DLD, for local libraries through which families will be given “creative missions” to contribute writings, illustrations, and ideas to “community books” and “trading cards” throughout the year.
This session is one of the three sessions as part of The GIANT Room professional development for the Remix program. Librarians are encouraged to join all three sessions - we will share recordings of the sessions with those who register for the workshop in case you cannot join the live session.
Key take-aways:
- Participating librarians will have a chance to brainstorm on the themes for GIANT Remix stations to better align with their library programs such as monthly themes, summer reading, holidays, visiting author book readings, and more.
- Participating librarians will be introduced to AI tools that make these community publications possible. Expect fun and interactive activities using AI to bring your ideas to life. These activities are designed to help librarians work with creative AI tools in a very engaging and accessible way.
- Participating librarians will be considered to be chosen as one of the stations that receives GIANT Remix Stations and Family Events, free of charge, in their libraries.
Select libraries from those registered for the workshops will receive 5 copies of the final book publications and trading cards to add to their library collection as well as a link to the e-book publication which families could access free of charge at home. This is a wonderful program for your community to gain a sense of belonging to their local library, keep coming back to the library to make more publications and read their books, and invite other families to join the program.
Join us to brainstorm, learn, and dream the next series of community publications for your library!
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Veterans Day is November 11 - DLD Provides Resources to Veterans and Military Families
The Division of Library Development (DLD) offers valuable resources you can share with veterans and military families in your community. We have 39 print titles and 64 eBooks available for you and your patrons as part of the eGO CT program.
You are welcome to view a sampling of our print books and eBooks, and visit our Service to Veterans and Military Families Libguide, which contains useful information including a link to the Libraries and Veterans National Forum Toolkit that was created with librarians from across the country, including DLD staff. The goal of the Toolkit is to provide programming options for organizations that are just getting started in this work, and to make it easier for those already engaged to find new ideas and new strategies to increase the success of their programs.
You can also find information about Blue Star Families, an organization dedicated to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support.
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We also have FREE database resources available for veterans and military families, including the following tutorial from Workforce Solutions:
Military to College: A How-to Guide for New Veterans
Serving in the military opens numerous doors to veterans who want to attend college or pursue a graduate degree after their years of service. This tutorial can help make veterans in your community aware of all the doors open to them—and unlock unexpected ways to earn college credit, find a “military friendly” college, and maximize their VA benefits.
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Service to Veterans and Military Families – Veteran Saves Week
Public Libraries are a trusted and valued community resource and are uniquely positioned to assist veterans and military families in accessing resources and services for which they may be eligible.
One easy way for libraries to fill this role is to share this information with veterans and military families in their community.
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Veteran Saves Week (November 12-15, 2024) marks a monumental moment as this inaugural event honors the legacy of Military Saves Week, while shifting focus towards the unique financial journey of transitioning service members and Veterans through our four program pillars: Financial Stress, Housing, Employment, and Banking. If you want to participate as an organization, click here to learn how to get started!
Even if you don't formally participate, you can create displays or provide links on your website to share this valuable resource.
Daily themes this year are:
Day 1 (11/12): Choosing the right financial Institution
Day 2 (11/13): Saving for competing priorities
Day 3 (11/14): All about housing
Day 4 (11/15): Navigating military to civilian employment financial transition
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EBSCO Online Trainings - November
Promoting Your EBSCO Resources
Tuesday, November 19 | 3:30-4:30 pm
Register for Promoting Your EBSCO Resources
Join us for an overview of EBSCO resources for middle school, including the new and improved Explora interface, designed for high school students, and the curated databases which support their research.
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The New EBSCO Experience Manager (EEM) & EBSCOadmin Overview
Thursday, November 21 | 3:30-4:30 pm
Register for the New EBSCO Experience Manager
Learn how to navigate these administrative tools to manage interface configuration, searching customization, profile creation, authentication, reporting, and more for your EBSCO resources.
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New eAudio Titles Now Available in the Palace Project app! | |
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Seasonal Picture Books from MLSC
Stock up on Thanksgiving, Winter, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas books for upcoming story times and displays! We can send 20-25 seasonal large print books through deliverIT that will be yours to circulate for 90 days.
If you are interested, please feel free to reserve a book bundle in our Equipment catalog or email Abbey at Abbey.E.Lynch@ct.gov.
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Please let us know if there are specific topics or holidays you would like included! | |
Professional Development Titles | |
Stay Connected! Join our Email Lists
Our many email discussion lists for the library community help you connect with your peers. 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.
Scout the full list and subscription information.
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Middletown Library Service Center
Open Hours: Monday-Friday | 8:00 am-4:30 pm
MLSC staff, whether in the office or telecommuting, are responding to voicemail and e-mail during business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except for state holidays.
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Connecticut State Library | Division of Library Development
Middletown Library Service Center
786 South Main Street | Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 704-2200 | libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld
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