Regional Interest Group Descriptions
Contact CDLC for more information on any interest group listed below.
Capital Area Library Assistants (CALA)
In 1989, the Capital Area Library Assistants (CALA) was formed as a Membership Committee, or interest group, of the Capital District Library Council. CALA focuses on the issues that face library assistants and represents those library employees that do not have a library degree. The interests of the group range from public services to cataloging.The goals for CALA are to enhance communication and interaction between library personnel, to facilitate professional development through programs produced by and for library support staff and to disseminate information on other organizations specifically designed to benefit library staff.
The CALA Coordinating Committee has been a voice for library assistants concerns and issues on a local, state and national level.
CALA has sponsored workshops on issues that have helped to increase the knowledge and skills of our members. As a member of CALA you will be informed of workshops, meeting and conferences that will help you to keep abreast of the newest and latest issues that are important to the library profession. Members of CALA can take advantage of workshops and video teleconferences designed to increase knowledge and skills. The cost of most workshops is $5.00 to $10.00. CALA membership now is approximately 150.
Capital Area Technical Services Committee (CATS)
The CATS Committee, started in 1989, meets for the purpose of furthering educational and professional growth among library technical services personnel. A membership committee of the Capital District Library Council, CATS promotes technical services librarianship, increases communication, and fosters a spirit of cooperation between the many libraries in the Capital District and its surrounding areas through large and small discussion groups and presentations.
Capital District Business Librarians (CDBL)
The Capital District Business Librarians Group was created in 1991 to improve library services to business by creating opportunities to keep librarians informed about sources of information. In 1992 the trustees of the Capital District Library Council approved the group as a Membership Committee. CDBL's more than 110 members include people from special, academic, and public libraries. CDBL presents three to four programs annually. Program announcements are distributed to CDBL members, CDLC directors and heads of reference. Library school students are encouraged to attend. Programs are also publicized through relevant electronic mailing lists and select press releases targeted to members of the business community.
Capital District Library Retirees Group
Started in Summer 2005, the Capital District Library Retirees Group was formed to meet a need for continuing networking opportunities for area retirees. Participation in the group is open to all retired members of the library community. Currently the group meets bi-monthly for interaction, luncheon, and a brief program. Other activities may be planned as the group dictates. Announcement of meetings is made via the CDLC Retirees List and on the CDLC web site. For more information, or to be added to our Retirees List please contact CDLC at 438-2500.
CDLC Government Information Interest Group (GIIG)
The Government Information Interest Group is committed to assuring free access to government information to all residents of New York State. Meeting several times a year, the GIIG exchanges information about members' collections and services, sponsors programs on topics of interest to the CDLC user community, and acts as a channel for the communication of government information. Contact CDLC for more information about the GIIG.
SLEEK - Librarians' Social Group
SLEEK is a librarians’ social group that meets for dinner every two months. All librarians are welcome to subscribe to the distribution list and attend dinners. One or two people make dinner arrangements at local restaurants. Announcements go to the distribution list and to the Department of Information Studies at the University at Albany. Announcements usually appear on the CDLC web calendar. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact:
Barbara S. Beverley,
Director of Library Services
Empire State Development
518-292-5238; FAX 518-292-5805
bev@nycap.rr.com