The CT Resource Sharing Philosophy frames a goal, that "Connecticut's libraries willingly cooperate and collaborate with each other and affiliated organizations to provide maximum access to materials, services and expertise for the mutual benefit of all."

Resource sharing practices among libraries continue to evolve in response to technological innovation, the changing nature of library resources, reimagined library missions, and contemporary user expectations—all in the midst of a pandemic. This conference brings together library practitioners and others interested in the latest resource sharing developments for a day of learning and sharing. We welcome attendees from all types of libraries. Learn more.

This conference is sponsored by the state library agencies of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island with coordination from the Library of Rhode Island Resource Sharing Working Group.

In early November, the Connecticut Libraries Fiber Consortium will be posting a Request for Proposal on behalf of all CT libraries that may want to move to a high speed fiber broadband service for the first time and on behalf of all libraries who want to add a fiber connection to a previously unconnected branch unit. If you have not alerted Chris Gauvreau, E-Rate Coordinator & LSTA Grants Coordinator, of your desire to be included in this request for bids for fiber construction, please email her immediately at [email protected].

On October 16, DLD hosted a special Project REALM Information Session with the Kendra Morgan, Program Manager of the REALM Project at OCLC.

As libraries across the country begin to resume operations and reopen to the public, the need for clear information to support the handling of core museum, library, and archival materials has become increasingly urgent. Through the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project, OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials that are prevalent in libraries, archives, and museums. This session provided an update on what is currently known and unknown about the virus, the results of REALM testing thus far, and how to incorporate the information into your local decision making.

For more information on visit Professional Development and Continuing Education.

Ready to register? Interested in more workshops? Visit our calendar.

For questions and more information please contact Professional Development Coordinator Gail Hurley at [email protected] or (860) 704-2223.

Last month, we added 300 new titles to eGO CT's SimplyE app including backlist bestsellers, antiracist titles, 53 Spanish language titles, personal finance, self-help, DIY and home improvement. 

CSL has purchased 4,275 new items so far this year to coincide with libraries going live in the SimplyE app and rolling it out to their patrons. A total of 26,752 items are now available to you in SimplyE from the Connecticut State Library and our partners.

Interested in joining? Contact Brad Bullis at [email protected].

Browse this growing collection, including the titles below, accessible using the SimplyE app. Check with your local library to see if they participate in the eGO.

The firm DEADLINE for submission of the Annual Report is 4 pm on Monday, November 16, 2020. (When the usual deadline of November 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline is pushed to the next business day.) Public libraries are required by statute CGS Sec. 11-25 (a) to submit an Annual Report in order to receive borrowIT payments or other state appropriations.

On the Annual Report webpage, you can find:

This year’s report has many new questions related to services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were explained in webinars in May and June. You can view the recording from June 23 or review the presentation slides. 

Questions? Contact Maria Bernier at [email protected].

The Division of Library Development is embarking on a journey to re-evaluate and refresh the Summer Survey. DLD is planning to migrate to outcome based summer learning data collection for the summer of 2021. The new outcome based reporting will quantify the value of the library and the impact of the Summer Learning Program on your community residents. To hear more about this process and why we are making this change, please watch this video.

You can reserve book sets yourself! Check out the titles below and browse the full collection.

Searching for Lottie by Susan L. Ross

Blended by Sharon Draper

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue park

Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds

Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

Slay by Brittney Morris

Pine Island Home by Polly Horvath

Wink by Rob Harrell

Free Lunch by Rex Ogle

These are just some highlights! See more new professional development titles.

Interested in borrowing any of these titles? Contact Judy Crooks at [email protected].