A Message from the State Librarian
• 
I recently had the honor of accepting an Innovation Award from the Council of State Governments for the New Jersey Knowledge Initiative. This national award is intended to bring greater recognition for exemplary programs that show creativity in effectively dealing with problems and issues that are regional in scope. The CSG Innovation Award Program considered hundreds of state programs and projects, and we are so proud to have received this award that recognizes the foresight of State Library and its partners in establishing and operating NJKI as well as the foresight of the State Legislature and the Governor in funding this innovative project. NJKI encourages economic growth and strengthens high-tech projects. It is a model that other states are interested in emulating. Given the success of NJKI, we are pressing forward to secure full funding to continue the initiative.
• We are proud to report that NJLBH scores high in customer satisfaction based on a comprehensive survey. The survey distributed to all NJLBH customers in all NJ counties showed 98 percent rated their overall experience with NJLBH as either excellent or good; 100 percent said they would recommend the library to a friend; and 99 percent reported the library improved the quality of their life. Seventy-five percent of NJLBH’s customers are over the age of 65. A total of 1,115 customers responded and returned their surveys.
• Four Diversity Grants have been awarded by LDB and accepted by East Orange Public Library, Ocean County Library System, West Deptford Free Public Library and Bergen County Cooperative Library System in partnership with the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium. The grants will help to strengthen or expand programs that serve residents who may encounter difficulty using traditional library services.
• Our Marketing Department continues to promote the services offered by the State Library and public libraries through the NJ Library Network. New projects include developing a promotional campaign with NJLA for the National Reading Group Month; compiling a mailing to libraries this month that will include materials on the YouTube/Comic Drawing contest about why users love their libraries; and designing, producing and printing a variety of collateral material for the different bureaus of the State Library. There are also plans to conduct a workshop to help libraries create effective outreach events.
• Attendance at instructional sessions offered by SLIC continues to grow with 31 state workers at the Division of Motor Vehicles attending two, one-hour lunchtime talks presented by the Genealogy Collection Librarian on how the State Library’s collections support genealogy research. Another 16 people attended two more mid-day sessions presented at the State Library that focused on using U.S. Census records for family history. Similarly, two sessions on navigating legal databases attracted 17 interested individuals. We are glad to serve state government workers and the public with these special programs that we offer on a regular basis.
SPOTLIGHT ON BARBARA DOYLE
Barbara Doyle is a long-standing employee of the New Jersey State Library. She has been a faithful staff member since 1996, and she spoke glowingly about the wonderful people she works with. Barbara’s favorite job is to put books back on the shelves. Her least favorite time at work is when the email is down. I think we can all agree with that! At home in Lawrenceville, Barbara likes to play computer games. Her favorite computer games involve America’s sweetheart detective, Nancy Drew. When not on the computer, Barbara likes to watch cop shows on TV. She also likes to watch scary movies. When I mentioned a few plot details, Barbara was quickly able to tell me that my favorite scary movie was entitled, “When a Stranger Calls.” Barbara’s duties at home include dishwashing and setting the table. As Barbara’s two brothers and three sisters could probably tell you, Barbara loves her chocolate. She counteracts its effects by swimming or using the exercise bike. Barbara’s favorite trip was to Disney World. Another thing we agree on is that we both would really like to go there again–soon!
