As the Division of Library Development closes the books on another year, we look back on our achievements with the knowledge we are meeting our goals moving the Connecticut library community into the 21
st
Century. As recipients of an IMLS Laura Bush 21
st
Century Librarian Program Grant for the EXCITE Transformation for Libraries Project we are pioneering
an intensive team-based experiential learning program that will teach collaboration and innovation skills, result in programs and services that respond to community input and demonstrated needs, lead to cultural change at libraries, and sustain project impact through extended training. With teams from across the Eastern United States, we are establishing the Connecticut State Library as a leader in library innovation. Connecticut partnered with our COSLINE colleagues to present the 2017 Futures Conference to foster imagination, inspiration and innovation and provide participating CT librarians with tools to create the future in their libraries. Dynamic speakers from diverse innovation fields included David Pescovitz, Phil Bowermaster, Rakia Reynolds, Cindy Ball, Dr. James Hughes, Kevin Mitnick, Anthony Iovino and Nicole Baker Rosa from the Futures School. We continue to foster strategic partnerships to engage in projects, programs and other initiatives to further the interest of all libraries in relevant areas such as Access to Justice; veterans outreach; community health education, and many more.
Our 2018-2022 LSTA Five Year Plan was approved stating “
CSL's decisions in 2017 and forward will be directed towards strengthening libraries during times of rapid change so they in turn can help their communities get stronger. CSL intends to emphasize the role of libraries as community anchors while continuing to provide support for statewide resource sharing services. CSL must remain flexible in order to capitalize on new opportunities and to change as needed in response to the library community's needs as well as future state funding reductions.” A key tool in helping libraries move forward is the State Library Board-endorsed “Best Practices for Public Libraries in Connecticut” which DLD will be using to help advance the objectives of the Five -Year Plan. CSL's top priority is to emphasize the role of libraries as anchor institutions within their communities and to help librarians gain skills, knowledge, and resources in order to serve their communities' needs. Building on the Aspen Report's themes of People and Place, CSL will help public libraries cement their place as essential organizations that are central to the quality of life, civic and cultural engagement, and economic vitality in every municipality.
The Division of Library Development staff continues to engage in activities that move libraries and librarians forward as evidenced by successful grant projects; progress on statewide resource sharing retooling; project development; continuing education offerings; program sponsorship; consulting and so much more. Regional and national recognition of CSL/DLD staff expertise and activities in areas of leadership, innovation and outreach is a reflection on the library community we work with.
Thank you for another banner year for the Connecticut State Library, Division of Library Development. We look forward to working with you in 2018 and beyond.
Wishing you a Happy Healthy New Year!
Dawn
