Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Libraries Across New York's Capital District
Founded in 1966, the Capital Dist Library Council (CDLC) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening library services across ten counties in New York's Capital District. We provide continuing education opportunities, facilitate access to shared collections and digital resources, administer member grants, and advocate for libraries and cultural institutions. Our collaborative approach connects academic, public, school, medical, corporate, and special libraries to achieve collective goals that individual institutions could not accomplish alone. Governed by an elected Board of Trustees, we work closely with the Empire State Library Network to enhance regional library systems. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures equitable access to services for all members regardless of race, gender, age, or ability.Through programs like the Hospital Library Service Program and LiNX resource sharing network, we empower libraries to better serve their communities. With statutory support since 1978, we maintain a legacy of innovation while adapting to evolving information needs. Our team of specialized librarians and administrators delivers tailored support for cataloging, continuing education, and digital collection development. By fostering local connections and promoting professional development, we help libraries remain vital community resources. Our strategic plan guides initiatives through 2026, focusing on sustainable growth and technological advancement.
Services
Continuing Education
Digital Collections
Member Grants
Advocacy Services
Resource Sharing
Cataloging Support
Professional Development
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We serve libraries across ten New York counties with specialized expertise
- Our team includes certified librarians with diverse institutional experience
- We administer member grants to support library development initiatives
- We provide access to shared digital collections and physical resources
- Our advocacy efforts protect and promote library interests regionally
Services
Continuing Education
We offer comprehensive continuing education programs for library professionals through workshops, webinars, and conferences. Our curriculum covers emerging technologies, cataloging standards, and best practices in library management. Participants gain valuable skills to enhance their institutions' services while earning professional development credits.
Digital Collections
Our digital collections program preserves and provides access to historical materials through platforms like New York Heritage and NYS Historic Newspapers. We help member institutions digitize unique collections and implement digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term accessibility for researchers and the public.
Member Grants
We administer competitive grant programs to support innovative library projects and institutional improvements. These funds help members implement new services, upgrade facilities, and develop community-focused initiatives that might otherwise be financially unfeasible for individual institutions.
Advocacy Services
Our advocacy team works to protect and advance library interests at local and state levels. We provide resources for legislative engagement, develop policy positions on library-related issues, and coordinate collective action to ensure libraries' voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Resource Sharing
Through our LiNX system and ILL Directory, we facilitate resource sharing among member libraries. This network enables institutions to borrow materials from each other, expanding access to collections beyond individual holdings while reducing duplication of resources.
People
Kathleen Gundrum
Executive Director
Kathleen leads CDLC's strategic initiatives with over 20 years of library administration experience. She oversees operations, member relations, and organizational development while representing the council on statewide library networks.
Maria DeGaetano
Finance and Administration Manager
Maria manages CDLC's financial operations and administrative functions. With expertise in nonprofit accounting, she ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting grant programs and budget planning for organizational initiatives.
Susan D'Entremont
Digital Collections Librarian
Susan directs digital preservation efforts and continuing education programs. She specializes in digital archiving standards and provides technical support for member institutions developing online collections.
Kariann Kakeh
Communications Librarian
Kariann manages outreach initiatives and technical services. She develops communication strategies, coordinates marketing efforts, and supports digital resource implementation across member libraries.
Christopher Tosh
Member Programs Coordinator
Christopher organizes professional development events and member engagement activities. He facilitates networking opportunities and coordinates collaborative projects that strengthen regional library partnerships.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve libraries in ten New York counties: Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington.
What types of libraries can join CDLC?
Membership is open to all library types including academic, public, school, medical, corporate, government, historical societies, museums, and archives.
How do you support library professionals?
We provide continuing education programs, professional networking opportunities, and specialized resources for cataloging, digital collections, and library management.
What advocacy services do you offer?
We represent library interests at state and local levels, provide legislative resources, and coordinate collective advocacy efforts for member institutions.
How can libraries access shared resources?
Through our LiNX resource sharing network and ILL Directory, member libraries can borrow materials from each other's collections across the region.
What grant opportunities are available?
We administer competitive grant programs to support innovative projects, facility improvements, and community-focused initiatives for member libraries.
Videos
