Event Calendar
This workshop covers best practices for safely handling and preparing collection materials for digitization. Participants will learn how to assess materials prior to digitization, identify common risks, and apply appropriate handling techniques for photographs, paper-based materials, and bound volumes. Through demonstration and hands-on practice, the workshop emphasizes how proper handling supports both preservation and access goals. By the end of the session, participants will have practical skills to reduce damage during digitization and improve the quality and consistency of digital outputs.
The session will also introduce practical approaches to planning digitization projects, providing an opportunity for participants to discuss their own projects and share strategies with peers. A dedicated segment highlights New York–specific digitization resources, including statewide platforms and regional support networks.
Presenter: Kaitlyn Pettengill, Digital Archives Specialist, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts
*Note: Registration closes one week before each session
This workshop covers best practices for safely handling and preparing collection materials for digitization. Participants will learn how to assess materials prior to digitization, identify common risks, and apply appropriate handling techniques for photographs, paper-based materials, and bound volumes. Through demonstration and hands-on practice, the workshop emphasizes how proper handling supports both preservation and access goals. By the end of the session, participants will have practical skills to reduce damage during digitization and improve the quality and consistency of digital outputs.
The session will also introduce practical approaches to planning digitization projects, providing an opportunity for participants to discuss their own projects and share strategies with peers. A dedicated segment highlights New York–specific digitization resources, including statewide platforms and regional support networks.
Presenter: Kaitlyn Pettengill, Digital Archives Specialist, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts
*Note: Registration closes one week before each session
This informational webinar provides an overview of the NYS Discretionary Grant Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials. This program serves as a key funding source for collecting institutions across the state to reach preservation goals. Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, the types of projects that can be supported, and what to expect during the application process. The session is designed to help institutions prepare for the upcoming grant cycle and provide guidance to support early planning and stronger applications. Whether you are considering applying for the first time or looking to refine a previous application, this webinar will help you better understand how to approach the C/P Grants program with confidence.
Presenters: Lauren Cardinal, Library Development Specialist and Holly Peacock, Education Finance Specialist, New York State Library
This workshop covers best practices for safely handling and preparing collection materials for digitization. Participants will learn how to assess materials prior to digitization, identify common risks, and apply appropriate handling techniques for photographs, paper-based materials, and bound volumes. Through demonstration and hands-on practice, the workshop emphasizes how proper handling supports both preservation and access goals. By the end of the session, participants will have practical skills to reduce damage during digitization and improve the quality and consistency of digital outputs.
The session will also introduce practical approaches to planning digitization projects, providing an opportunity for participants to discuss their own projects and share strategies with peers. A dedicated segment highlights New York–specific digitization resources, including statewide platforms and regional support networks.
Presenter: Kaitlyn Pettengill, Digital Archives Specialist, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts
*Note: Registration closes one week before each session
This hands-on workshop helps participants recognize common preservation issues or “red flags,” in paper, book, and photographic materials. Participants will learn how to identify signs of physical damage, environmental concerns, and handling risks, and how to determine when action is needed. Through guided examples and discussion, the workshop focuses on practical decision-making and understanding when to rehouse materials, improve storage conditions, or seek conservation treatment. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident identifying issues and setting informed, manageable next steps for collections care.
Presenter: Kate Jacus, Preservation Education Specialist, DHPSNY
*Note: Registration closes one week before each session
This hands-on workshop helps participants recognize common preservation issues or “red flags,” in paper, book, and photographic materials. Participants will learn how to identify signs of physical damage, environmental concerns, and handling risks, and how to determine when action is needed. Through guided examples and discussion, the workshop focuses on practical decision-making and understanding when to rehouse materials, improve storage conditions, or seek conservation treatment. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident identifying issues and setting informed, manageable next steps for collections care.
Presenter: Kate Jacus, Preservation Education Specialist, DHPSNY
*Note: Registration closes one week before each session
As grant funds become harder to secure, creating compelling grant narratives that sell your organization has never been more important. Join professional writer Lori Litchman for an informative webinar featuring tips to strengthen your grant proposals through storytelling and strong writing practices.
Presenter: Lori Litchman, Professional Writer
This hands-on workshop helps participants recognize common preservation issues or “red flags,” in paper, book, and photographic materials. Participants will learn how to identify signs of physical damage, environmental concerns, and handling risks, and how to determine when action is needed. Through guided examples and discussion, the workshop focuses on practical decision-making and understanding when to rehouse materials, improve storage conditions, or seek conservation treatment. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident identifying issues and setting informed, manageable next steps for collections care.
Presenter: Kate Jacus, Preservation Education Specialist, DHPSNY
*Note: Registration closes one week before each session
This online course aims to prepare participants to create a clear, practical emergency plan for their organization. Participants will learn how to take identified collection risks and translate them into actionable response procedures. Emphasis will be placed on working in manageable phases rather than tackling the entire plan at once. The course introduces the Council of State Archivists’ Pocket Response Plan™ (PReP™) as a starting point and builds toward developing a comprehensive emergency plan that includes response, salvage, and recovery procedures.
Throughout the course, participants will be guided in setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and collaborating with colleagues to support the process. By the end of the course, participants will have a structured path toward completing an emergency plan and practical steps they can begin implementing immediately.
This course supports New York libraries working to meet updated state requirements for a board-approved disaster plan.
Work at your own pace, with a live Q&A session on November 19.
Instructor: Kate Jacus, Preservation Education Specialist, DHPSNY
Metadata plays a critical role in making collections discoverable, understandable, and usable, but knowing where to start can be challenging. This webinar provides a clear, practical introduction to foundational metadata concepts for collecting institutions. Participants will learn about common types of metadata, essential elements for describing materials, and approaches to file naming, controlled vocabularies, and basic schema use, including Dublin Core. The session will also introduce key considerations for rights statements, interoperability, and how metadata functions across systems and platforms. Designed for small and mid-sized organizations, this webinar emphasizes manageable, scalable approaches and real-world application.