This Month at CLC
JULY 2023
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TOO MUCH NEWS FOR ONE NEWSLETTER
Ellen Paul
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This newsletter is packed with information. In fact, it might be the longest one we've ever published. But I hope you'll find it's worth your time. We have several new, important and exciting announcements, so you'll want to stick around until the end.
First, read Jackie’s column about our new supplies contract. The big news is that we signed a contract with Amazon Business giving all of our member libraries access to free Amazon Business Prime and extra discounts off Amazon-branded products. But, not to be overlooked, we also have brand new contracts with Blick Art Supplies, Brodart, Lakeshore Learning Supplies, and more!
Then, make sure you read Julie’s column because we have just launched a brand new human resources support service for our members. This includes access to a free HR hotline for public libraries staffed by HR professionals, plus professional development and discounts off of specialty HR project consulting for all libraries. This is something our public libraries have been requesting for years, and we’re so thrilled to deliver.
And finally, make sure you take a look at Amanda’s column. We’ve completely redesigned our furniture contract to give you more options with less confusion. We’re working with three great furniture dealers who can get you the very best selection and prices all in a one-stop-shop, plus design services, shipping and installation! And, to kick it off, we’re hosting an in-person FREE furniture fair in August that you won’t want to miss.
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It might be summer, but we’re not slowing down. We’ve got lots more in store for you in the coming months. When we work together, everything is possible.
Ellen
Ellen Paul, Executive Director
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LIBRARY SUPPLIES AND SO MUCH MORE!
Jacqueline Cashin
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Hello everyone! This month we have a very special announcement. On July 1, 2023, our new supplies contracts became available to you. The biggest supplier among all of the new suppliers that we have awarded is Amazon Business. Amazon Business is offering free Amazon Business Prime for all members, along with additional discounts on Amazon-branded products like Amazon Basics. If you have not opened an Amazon Business account yet, now is the time to do it. If you already have one, maybe it’s time to switch and get it free from CLC. An information session is coming up on July 13 and we encourage every library to have someone attend. Sign up below:
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Amazon Business, CLC, and Your Library
Presentation and Q&A with CLC staff and your Amazon Business representative
Thursday, July 13 at 11:00am
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But that's not all!
Other new suppliers that were awarded are:
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C&C Janitorial (a local Newington CT supplier) and Imperial Dade (a national supplier) for PPE, janitorial and custodial supplies
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Brodart for library and archival supplies, plus furniture, equipment, and much more
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Tonies is offering the Toniebox, a screen-free, digital listening experience that plays stories and songs, a great addition to any elementary school or children’s room
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To supply all the creative programs provided in libraries across the state, we now have Blick Art Materials
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USI - another local CT vendor - is offering lamination supplies and equipment
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Lucas Color Card has beautiful custom library cards made from Teslin, a greener alternative to PVC plastic
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Finally, we have Lakeshore Learning, an early learning supplier that many of our elementary schools have been asking for. They sent us an outstanding bid.
But what about our existing vendors for library and maker supplies?
Not to worry - they are all staying on contract and you can continue to enjoy their discounts!
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Our wonderful long-time partner Demco continues to bring you savings on almost everything you need for your library, from book jackets to furniture. More CLC members use the Demco contract than any other contract we offer.
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Barnes & Noble has added toys, games, puppets, puzzles, and more fun to their existing CLC maker & STEAM supplies contract. You can even get your discount in their 12 CT stores. Save on books too.
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Eduporium, Mackin, and Technology Education Concepts will continue to bring you maker and STEAM equipment and supplies with a focus on education. They all have a different specialty so be sure to check them out.
In addition to the Amazon-specific information session, we are offering a general information session about all of our supplies contracts so you can get an overview of the suppliers and learn how to use the contracts. This is NOT a vendor webinar. CLC's Julie Yulo-Medeiros will be your guide. Sign up below:
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Get the Most from CLC's New Supplies Contracts
Training and Q&A led by CLC's Julie Yulo-Medeiros
Thursday, July 20 at 11:00am
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We hope you will join us for both training events this month, and that all of these new vendors will be another tool in your toolbox to get great discounts for everything you need in the library. |
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As always, we are here to answer all your questions and help you to realize savings every day and with every purchase by using CLC contracts. I hope you have a wonderful, enriching summer!
Jackie
Jacqueline Cashin
Assistant Director for Operations, Bids and Contracts
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YOUR HR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Julie Yulo-Medeiros
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Whenever CLC surveys our members about their needs, HR assistance is always near the top of the list. To that end, CLC is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Employers Association of the Northeast (EANE) to bring Human Resources support to our libraries. All of these services and opportunities are INCLUDED with your library’s CLC membership!
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Human Resources Hotline: 1-877-662-6444
For Public Libraries
CLC public library members now have FREE access to EANE’s HR hotline service. Just pick up the phone and get your questions answered. The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm by certified HR professionals who can answer questions and offer advice and consultation. Calling the hotline can help you minimize risk, improve employee engagement, and implement best practices. No question is too big or small. LEARN MORE
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Professional Development Opportunities
For ALL Libraries
CLC members get free access to 4 select webinars from EANE on a variety of HR topics. EANE charges $95 for their webinars, so it's pretty great that CLC members get to attend for free. The first one is August 10 - registration will open soon:
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Successful Onboarding Techniques to Improve Retention
A Webinar for Library Leadership
Thursday, August 10 at 8:30am
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If you've ever been concerned with employee retention, this is the webinar for you. During this 60-minute program by the Employers Association of the NorthEast, we'll take a look at onboarding procedures and identify adjustments you can make when bringing on a new hire to improve retention rates at your library. |
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CLC also will also host 2 live coffee chats for library directors and managers to talk directly to an EANE HR professional about an in-the-moment HR issue. The first one will be on October 4. LEARN MORE
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Discounts on EANE Products, Services & Events
For ALL Libraries
EANE offers a lot of professional HR-related services beyond their hotline and education programs. If you need a custom training program for your staff, a new personnel manual, an analysis of your compensation plan, an HR audit, etc., you'll save 10% on EANE's prices with your CLC membership. LEARN MORE
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Learn More at our Info Sessions
For ALL Libraries - most relevant for public library managers
Want to learn more about these new services? Join us for one of our Kickoff Information Sessions with a representative from the Employee Association of the NorthEast to learn more about these new opportunities for you and your library. Choose a session below to register:
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HR INFO SESSION 1
Wednesday, July 19
11:00 AM
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HR INFO SESSION 2
Thursday, July 20
3:00 PM
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We hope you’ll take advantage of these services. They will be available through June 30, 2024, and may be extended depending on usage and feedback. Questions? Reach out, I'm here to help!
Julie
Julie Yulo-Medeiros, Member Relations Manager
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LET CLC HELP YOUR FURNITURE DREAMS COME TRUE!
Amanda Stern
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In case you missed the news - this month CLC launched a dramatic expansion of our furniture contracts. Now they're much easier to navigate, while bringing you five times as many manufacturers as before! How is this possible? Well, we want to tell you all about it. And more importantly, we want our furniture vendors to tell you about it! And some of your library colleagues too! So ...
We are having an IN-PERSON Furniture Expo!
Yes, it's true! Whether you’re planning a full library renovation or just looking for a couple of new tables or chairs to freshen up your space, this will be an event you’ll want to attend!
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The CLC Furniture Expo
An in-person open house event to inspire new furnishing possibilities and answer your questions about all things furniture
Thursday, August 17
10:30am - 3:00pm (drop in)
Wallingford Public Library
FREE
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At 11 am and 1 pm, you can hear from members of our library community about their building projects – Stratford Library’s children’s room renovation and Durham Public Library’s whole building revamp.
And at 11:30 am, Julie Yulo-Medeiros, your Member Relations Manager, will share information about our newly expanded furniture contracts and how you can leverage them for deep savings on your new library furniture.
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Please note: This event will be held open house style, so you can drop in for the components that suit you. Morning and afternoon snacks will be served. We can't wait to see you! Please sign up so we'll know how many snacks to plan for!
Amanda
Amanda Stern, Events & Special Projects Manager
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ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
Ellen Paul
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Thank you to everyone who came out to our 20th Annual Meeting in June. It was so wonderful to see so many friends in person.
We were thrilled to welcome Kyle Courtney, Copyright Advisor at Harvard University, to be our keynote speaker. Kyle did an amazing job laying out the need and the path forward for eBook legislation.
It was my absolute honor to present Sarah Briggs of the Wethersfield Library with our Jan Gluz Cooperative Spirit Award. Sarah has served on the CLC nominating committee for over a decade, and this award honors her years of incredible service and leadership.
We had to say goodbye to a number of departing board members: Leticia Cotto, Hartford Public Library; Kate Fuller, UConn Libraries; Veronica Kenausis, Western CT State University Libraries; Jason Pannone, East Hartford Public Library; Sally Tornow, New Milford Public Library (retired); and Jillian Woychowski, West Haven High School Library. We thank them for their years of service and dedication not only to CLC but to the entire library community.
At the end of the meeting, the gavel was passed from our departing chairperson, Kim McNally of the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, to incoming chair Linda Robinson, Ellington Public Schools. Our thanks to Kim for her strong leadership over the past year, and to Linda for stepping up to steer us through the year ahead.
Keep reading below to learn about the six new members of the board who were voted in at the meeting. The governance of your organization is in strong and capable hands!
Ellen
Ellen Paul, Executive Director
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Board members holding a brief post-meeting meeting to formally elect officers, led by Kim McNally (center)
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Board member Carrie Seiden (L) and State Librarian Deborah Schander
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Keynote speaker Kyle Courtney
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Jan Gluz Cooperative Spirit Award honoree Sarah Briggs (L) with Ellen Paul
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Departing board members (L-R) Leticia Cotto, Kate Fuller, and Jason Pannone, with Ellen Paul
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Recognitions for our roundtable chairs, with CLC's Amanda Stern (R) |
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MEET YOUR NEW CLC BOARD MEMBERS |
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The following quotes are excerpted from our new board members' responses to the following question on CLC's board application form: "Please tell us why you are inspired to join the CLC Board of Trustees and what you hope to learn from this experience." |
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DEBBIE HERMAN - Director of Library & Educational Technology, Raymond F. Damato Library, Manchester Community College. "Beyond cooperative purchasing and professional development, I firmly believe that CLC has a critical role to play in advocating for the lifelong role libraries play in the lives of Connecticut's residents. I have worked in Connecticut libraries for 27 years now and have been extremely fortunate to collaborate with colleagues in public and school libraries. We have more in common than we think and have much to learn from one another!"
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CHRISTINE JOHNSON - Director, Waterford Public Library. "I think that CLC can do much to help promote the importance of libraries to funders and the general public. There is a widening perception gap in regards to the need for libraries in a Google/Netflix world. Those of us inside know that libraries serve many purposes in the community. Statewide NGOs like CLC can help to provide macro level messaging to support our local community marketing efforts. I hope to help support these efforts in my role as a Trustee."
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ALICE KNAPP - CEO, Ferguson Library, Stamford. "I often tell those unfamiliar with CLC that it is the librarian's librarian. Whether it is the Program Directory, the ever-popular roundtables, or the important and substantial discounts, CLC does the research for us. We often hear politicians talk about either regionalism or collaboration. In either case, CLC is a perfect example of how this works. So, I see CLC's work and its viability to be very important to the success of libraries - whether small and rural or large and urban."
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ELIZABETH LANE - Director, Bloomfield Public Library. "The work CLC does addresses the financial, professional and PR concerns we are all dealing with. I hope to be part of the solution to this problem, and serving on the CLC Board of Trustees will further allow me to do that. I also hope to learn from other esteemed members about what concerns them about the state of libraries and the strategies they employ to address them. Libraries should always be a part of the solution, and together we can better get that messaging out to our public and all stakeholders."
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KIM ROGERS - Lead Librarian, New Haven Public Schools. "I am currently advocating for full-time librarians in all New Haven Public schools ... and paraprofessional support for all our high schools and our larger elementary schools. I would like to find collaboration with other districts who are striving for these goals and lay out direction for any school districts who aspire to these AASL standards. I do believe we are better as team and I can think of no better team than CLC."
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JANE STRUDWICK - Head of Acquisitions and Discovery, UConn Library. "I am interested in joining the CLC Board of Trustees to contribute my experience as an academic librarian and contribute to the libraries and citizenry of Connecticut. I hope to learn about other types of libraries and advocate for common concerns and initiatives."
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LIBRARY EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT |
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Bibliotheca
Supplying libraries with essential equipment and tech for over 50 years
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Bibliotheca has been working with libraries for over a half century, partnering with over 30,000 libraries worldwide. Their product lines include self-checkout and holds pick-up, automated materials handling, occupancy and compliance, and security. Here are some of the products they offer at a great CLC discount. Click the links to learn more on our website:
Automated Materials Handling - Bibliotheca's flexAMH system works with RFID, EM and barcodes. Customizable solutions range from a simple one-bin setup to a full transportation system to carry items to multiple rooms and floors.
Browsing & Checkout Kiosks and Hold/Reserve Pickup - remoteLocker lets you offer patrons a self-service experience. You can configure it as a hold/reserve pickup locker, a browsing/checkout kiosk, or mix and match both features in one unit.
Digital Signage & Displays - The unifi+ digital display system facilitates dynamic digital messaging across selfCheck screens, wayfinding touchscreens, and digital signage.
Security Gates - Protect and secure your library materials using Bibliotheca's state-of-the-art RFIDgate security gates with a modern clear panel design. Available in standard and wide-aisle.
Self-Check - Bibliotheca offers 2 models of selfCheck stations. Both come in free-standing and desktop versions, can be configured for RFID or barcodes, and have a variety of add-on options. They also have a self-check mobile app.
This is just the beginning of what Bibliotheca has to offer! Be sure to consider them for your next project.
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Servicestar
Your local CT source for top quality microform scanners
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Servicestar Document Management is a Guilford, Connecticut business authorized to sell ViewScan microform scanners manufactured by ST Imaging. They also install equipment, train users, and provide warranty services for all of the products they sell. They are offering two microform scanners to CLC members at an exclusive discount.
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The ViewScan 4 18 Library (pictured above) is a top-of-the-line digital microform viewer/scanner with an 18MP image sensor. It accepts roll film and any other microform including slides, fiche, and 35 mm filmstrips, and includes color capability. Save and share images in a variety of ways: print, save to USB drive, e-mail, Google Drive, Dropbox, OCLC interlibrary loan, and FamilySearch.
The ViewScan 4 9 Standard is an economical alternative to the 18. It has a 9MP image sensor and is not color capable. If you can live with these differences, you can get yourself a high quality scanner for about half the price of the 18.
If your library is in need of a microform scanner, shop with Servicestar. You'll shop local, save money, and most importantly, get a top quality machine that will serve your users well for years to come.
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ORDER/RENEWAL ALERT!
Data Axle Reference Solutions and Brainfuse JobNow, VetNow & HelpNow
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Reference Solutions is the premier online source of business and residential information for reference and research, offering the most up-to-date data available in the market. CLC is now taking orders for subscriptions beginning 8/15. Current subscribers, check your email for your renewal price quote. For public and academic libraries.
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ORDER DEADLINE: August 9
MORE INFO:
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If you've been waiting to try any of Brainfuse's resources - JobNow, HelpNow, or VetNow - NOW is the time. CLC is taking orders for subscriptions beginning 9/1. We have exceptional pricing on these premier resources for live, online help with job searching, homework, and veteran services. Current subscribers, your renewal quote is coming soon. |
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We are delighted to welcome CLC's newest members:
Thank you for joining CLC and 970+ libraries across Connecticut in saving, learning, and collaborating. We're stronger together!
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CLC PEOPLE & LIBRARY NEWS
Celebrating Connecticut library staff
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As we all know, there's a lot happening in Connecticut libraries. Thanks for sharing your new hires, promotions, grants, awards, and other celebrations with us! This month on our website, you'll find news about ...
- Bloomfield Public Library
- Blackstone Library, Branford
- CSCU Library Consortium
- Easton Public Library
- Ellen P. Hubbell Elementary School Library, Bristol
- The Farmington Libraries
- Greenwich High School Library
- Hartford Public Library
- Ledyard Public Library
- Lucy Robbins Welles Library, Newington
- Otis Library, Norwich
- Saxton B. Little Free Library, Columbia
- Somers Public Library
- Stafford Elementary School Library, Bristol
- Woodbridge Town Library
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You have received this newsletter because your library is a CLC member, or you signed up for our mailing list. To adjust your CLC email settings, log into your CLC account.
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