NOVEL-Ready Library Services was formerly known as Electronic Doorway Library Services.

Since 1998, libraries across New York State were able to be officially recognized as an Electronic Doorway Library (EDL) by the New York Division of Library Development (DLD). Libraries could be designated as BASIC, ADVANCED, or LEADER level. Formerly, academic and special libraries submitted their EDL information directly to WNYLRC. WNYLRC, in turn, forwarded this information to DLD. DLD then mailed back printed certificates. Public and school libraries submitted their EDL information through their respective systems.

This process has changed to be more streamlined. Academic and special libraries can now go to the NOVEL-Ready Library Services (formerly the Electronic Doorway Library Services) Tool Kit web page at: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nvlready/toolkit.htm Clicking on the "Academic, Public, and Special Libraries" link will provide you with an Application Form. Academic and special libraries: Complete this form and mail it to: "NOVEL-Ready Library Services," WNYLRC, 4455 Genesee Street, PO Box 400, Buffalo, New York 14225-0400. WNYLRC will complete and return a certificate to the library. On an annual basis, WNYLRC will provide DLD with a list of libraries and their current NOVEL-Ready status. Public and school libraries should work through their public or school library system.

Additionally, DLD is in the process of surveying all libraries and library systems around New York State to seek input regarding the NOVEL-Ready Library benchmarking table that determines whether a library is at the BASIC, ADVANCED, or LEADER level. You can access this online survey at: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nvlready/survey.htm until the end of Summer 2006.