Category: CATS

Join us for our CATS Annual Meeting with a presentation by Joshua Varon: AI in Libraries: Guardrails, Real Uses, and Honest Answers

This interactive session is built around what attendees said in the pre-event survey. Staff are already using AI, patrons have questions about it, and most libraries are still deciding where they stand. Through live polling, real scenarios, and open discussion, we’ll cover the issues raised most: privacy, accuracy, what staff should and shouldn’t use AI for, and how AI fits with core library values. Two topics came up again and again in the survey: AI policy and staff training. We’ll touch on both, including where libraries are today and the questions worth asking before moving forward. We’ll also look at practical uses beyond summarizing and how to answer common patron questions. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of where things stand and practical ideas for preparing their staff.

Refreshments will be served, breakfast sponsored by CCP Solutions. CEU’s will be awarded.

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The rapid proliferation of A.I. tools are introducing new challenges for staff and patrons alike. Don’t be caught flat-footed. Join this productive discussion on the benefits of having an A.I. policy in place and how to create and introduce one in your library.

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Join CATS for our Spring Mixer at Blue Point Brewery in Patchogue. We are excited to see everyone for music, food (bar menu), drinks, and fun! The CATS Board wants to get to know y’all and hear from our members, friends and colleagues. So join us for an informal get together, meet your colleagues and have some fun!

Must be 21 or older to enter the venue. Cash bar.

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Please join the CATS Technical Services Roundtable for a hands-on book repair workshop! Learn how to better protect your library’s collection and feel confident making book repairs — from repairing torn pages to reinforcing spines. Supplies for the workshop will be provided, just bring yourself and your best pair of scissors.

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The Technical Services Roundtable provides opportunities for any and all technical services library staff to come together and share techniques, strategies, and procedures related to ordering, processing, cataloging, and maintaining library materials. Join us for a spirited discussion where we will ask questions, share unique tips and tricks, and network with fellow tech services workers!

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Location               Rogers Memorial Library
Time zone           (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Date, time           Thursday, October 09, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

You’re invited to a special joint meeting of the East End Tech Coalition (EETC) and the Tech Services Roundtable (TSR) on October 9th at 10:30 AM at Rogers Memorial Library.

This program aims to bring together professionals from across Suffolk County to explore the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in library technology and technical services. It’s a great opportunity to network with colleagues, share insights, and learn how libraries are adapting to the rapidly changing tech landscape. Whether you’re involved in IT, cataloging, or general library operations, this meeting promises valuable discussions and fresh perspectives.

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This presentation is designed to help library professionals teach emerging technologies and promote digital literacy. Examples of practical strategies like hands-on workshops, makerspaces, and digital literacy programs, along with the tools and partnerships needed to support them will be covered. Successful library initiatives will be showcased and participants will leave with concrete steps and best practices to create or improve technology-focused programs. This seminar aims to position libraries as essential centers for innovation and learning in their communities.

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