CCCS Internal 
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) proudly announces that its Online Library and 13 college libraries have received the prestigious Project of the Year Award from the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL). This award highlights the collaborative effort and innovation behind the creation of the CCCS Central Library, a project that has transformed access to library services for students, faculty, and staff across Colorado.
The Project of the Year Award, presented at the annual CAL Conference in Breckenridge in September, celebrates outstanding projects that support the mission and vision of libraries, particularly those that enhance accessibility, technology, and student support. For CCCS, this award underscores the success of its Central Library initiative, which provides equitable access to essential library resources across all its campuses.
Collaborative Vision for the Future of Library Services
In January 2021, a Learning Resource Subcommittee made up of librarians, faculty, and staff from CCCS set out to address ongoing challenges within the system’s libraries. With a focus on equity and efficiency, this group developed recommendations that led to the creation of the CCCS Central Library, a hub that supports all 13 colleges in the system.
By summer 2023, the CCCS Central Library became a reality, offering access to 132 databases with academic literature, e-books, streaming videos, and other key resources. These collections were chosen through collaboration with college librarians and faculty, ensuring that all programs are supported and that every student, no matter their location or area of study, has access to modern research tools.
“We’ve seen a significant impact on how our students and faculty engage with library resources, regardless of where they’re located. This project has truly leveled the playing field for everyone,” said Brittany Dudek, Director of Library and OER Services.
Enhancing Access and Supporting Student Success
The CCCS Central Library is more than a collection of databases; it represents a reimagined approach to supporting students. Through services like 24/7 virtual chat, customized research guides via the LibGuides platform, and a new system-wide scheduling tool for research consultations, CCCS libraries have been able to offer greater support to students and faculty. These tools ensure that students have access to the resources they need, no matter the time or their geographic location.
By streamlining services like single sign-on access and centralizing database management, the CCCS Central Library has also reduced redundancies and increased efficiency. This allows students and faculty to focus on teaching, learning, and research.
Equity as a Driving Force
Central to this initiative is a commitment to equity. Prior to the launch of the Central Library, CCCS colleges experienced disparities in library services due to varied budgets and resources. Today, all CCCS students—whether at large campuses or smaller rural institutions—enjoy equal access to quality library materials and support.
“Our libraries have put student equity at the forefront of everything we do,” Dudek shared. “I’ve never been more impressed with our teams’ collaborative spirit and adaptability over the last few years. This project is a testament to the dedication of our librarians and staff, and I am proud to have been part of making this vision a reality.”
Our libraries have put student equity at the forefront of everything we do.
I’ve never been more impressed with our teams’ collaborative spirit and adaptability over the last few years.
This project is a testament to the dedication of our librarians and staff, and I am proud to have been part of making this vision a reality.
Looking to the Future
While the CCCS Central Library has already made a significant impact, the work is ongoing. Future plans include expanding online resources, adding open educational resources (OER), enhancing virtual instruction, and developing a unified library catalog to improve access to print collections across the system.
The recognition from CAL is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the hard work and innovation that went into the CCCS Central Library. As the system continues to grow and evolve, this project will remain a cornerstone of CCCS’s efforts to ensure equitable access to education and library support for all.
