CD Collection Goes Digital

Stream Music on Hoopla

In our commitment to staying current we are embarking on a new journey. After much consideration and feedback from our patrons, we have decided to transition our music collection from physical CDs to an entirely digital format, effective April 11, 2024.

What does this mean for you? It means easier access to music, available anytime, anywhere. Say goodbye to the limitations of physical inventory and hello to the endless possibilities of digital music collections.

Why are CDs going away?

Declining usage rates

  • Significant decline in music CD circulation. Statistics from 2015 to 2023 show a 75% decrease in CD circulation, contrasting with the rise in digital usage.
  • Music CD lending dropped from 6% to less than 1% of total circulation during this same period.

Financial considerations

  • Importance of allocating resources effectively within our budget constraints.
  • Discontinuing the purchase of physical CDs in 2022 allowed the library to focus funds on digital music access, which better aligns with community preferences.

Efficiency and Staff Resources

  • Time and resources required to manage physical collections, particularly with the coexistence of physical and digital formats.
  • Streamlining the collection to digital formats will allow librarians to concentrate efforts on improving digital music accessibility.

Fading Technology

  • Increasing obsolescence of CDs, evident in the decline of CD players in newer vehicles and the reduced presence of CDs in retail stores.

Durability Issues

  • Frequent problems of CDs becoming damaged over time, leading to borrower disappointment when they are unplayable.

What will the library do with the CDs?

The CD collection will be available to the community for FREE at the Friends April Book & Media sale happening on April 12 – 14, 2024 in the library. Any remaining CDs after the book sale will be available in the lobby for the remainder of April (free) for the community to take. If any remain, they will be disposed of by May 1. Book Sale Dates & Times

How can I listen to my favorite tunes?

While we bid farewell to physical CDs within our library walls, fear not! Through the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) delivery service, you can still access physical CDs from other libraries in the region.

Visit www.hoopladigital.com/browse/music today to explore our revamped digital music catalog and discover a world of melodies waiting to be heard. Want to learn more about hoopla? Check out our hoopla TechTips post. Need help accessing hoopla? Stop in at the library for assistance!

What if I already have a CD checked out on my account?

If it’s owned by the East Greenbush Community Library, it will be removed from your account and you’re welcome to keep the CD. However, if it belongs to another UHLS Library, please ensure its return by the due date. Thank you for your cooperation! If you have questions about your account, please give us a call!

Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders