The Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) provides over 800 Connecticut libraries - public, K-12 school, college/university, and “special” - with cost savings and professional development through its cooperative purchasing and educational programs. 98% of Connecticut public libraries, 48% of Connecticut K-12 schools, 88% of Connecticut college/university libraries, and approximately 25% of Connecticut special libraries are CLC members. Membership is open to any Connecticut library. CLC is mandated by Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 11-9e, and is the only multi-type library membership cooperative in Connecticut. CLC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supported via a combination of state grant funds, membership dues and fees.
CLC leverages "the power of WE" to save money and accomplish projects too large or costly for a single library. CLC saves Connecticut libraries millions of dollars each year by leveraging the collective buying power of our members. We negotiate discounted prices on a wide variety of library resources and services essential to excellent library service for Connecticut citizens. CLC’s statewide contracts for books, non-print media, and supplies enable members to waive their own bidding requirements and realize savings of up to 80% on mission-critical library materials.
CLC provides low-cost, high-impact library professional development by coordinating more than 30 member-driven “roundtables,” where members share knowledge and ideas about professional topics.
CLC arranges workshops, symposia, and collaborative events to help librarians improve service to their communities and keep up with the latest professional trends.
CLC partners with state agencies, businesses, and other non-profits to bring more programs and services to libraries, and to convey to a wider audience the essential role that libraries play in Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.
CLC's programs and services include:
Discounts on everything libraries need - e-resources, books, non-print media, supplies, technology, continuing education and more
Continuing education, including symposia, roundtables, and product demonstrations
Programming catalog & showcases
Job listing service
Shared non-print collections - enable participating libraries to offer patrons a continuously updated selection of DVDs and CDs at minimal expense
Grantseeking and administration on behalf of member libraries
Opportunities for collaboration and networking
Much more!