The New Jersey State Library, with input from NJLA, has developed the
following proposals for funding from the federal stimulus package. We are sharing these proposals with state and federal officials to demonstrate that we have projects ready to go should there be funding. The State Library believes that libraries are integral to the programs funded in the Act. The following legislative agenda consists of programs and services which we hope will be funded in the future.
NEW JERSEY STATE LIBRARY FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
MARCH 2009
Proposal: Establish a Virtual Career Center in each New Jersey public library
Rationale: During this time of nearly unprecedented rates of unemployment, many New Jersey residents not only find themselves out of work, but also with a need to update skills (often computer-related) in order to find work. Given the reality that many employers now only accept on-line applications, those without basic computer skills and without a computer at home are at an even greater disadvantage.
Public libraries are perfectly situated to provide computer access, the assistance and training needed to effectively use public access computers and the convenient hours of operation that are needed. Since public access computers are already in use for many other purposes (student research, preparing documents and spreadsheets, general Internet searching) those in need of job-seeking assistance often need to wait for an available computer and/or librarian assistance.
Amount requested: $2.6 million. This allocation would cover the following costs for a comprehensive statewide program:
• Development of virtual career center web site and customization for each of New Jersey’s twenty-one counties;
• Training on the use of the web site and its resources for public library staff;
• Outreach to communities by public library staff to publicize the existence of the virtual career center resources;
• One computer per public library building/branch dedicated for use of the virtual career center;
• One computer per Department of Labor One-Stop Centers dedicated for use of the virtual career center;-
• Online resources specifically oriented towards job-seekers, such as ResumeMaker4Libraries, Learn A Test, Corfax Online, Vault Online Career Library and RefUSA;
• Training, outreach and resources developed for specific populations, such as veterans and people with disabilities or traumatic injuries.
Proposal: Establish public libraries as safe havens for young adults and teens from gangs and growing gang violence in communities statewide
Rationale: Gangs are a fact in urban, suburban, and rural communities all over NJ. Many young people in New Jersey grow up in families that already are affected by gang members. Young adults and teens are pressured by their peers and family members into joining gangs. New Jersey public libraries serve children, young adults, and teens with a variety of resources, programs, and services during the daytime and evenings, seven days a week. Libraries can expand their role in serving this population and can work in collaboration with anti-gang organizations, and law enforcement to develop and expand services to keep our children and teens safe in New Jersey.
Amount Requested: $3 million. This allocation would cover the following costs for a comprehensive statewide program:
• Development of active young adult and teen service programs in libraries;
• Purchase of books, AV, magazines, and software of interest to young people for library collections;
• Purchase of outreach materials, including books, AV, magazines, and games which can be placed in centers where teenagers meet and for use with anti-gang organizations;
• Computers for young adults and teens in each public library;
• Computer training for teens in developing resumes, attaining job skills, and pursuing personal leisure interests;
• Training of youth services organizations and anti-gang groups and parents
on motivating children, young adults and teens to read and use libraries; and
• Literacy and lower level reading materials and programs.
Proposal: Fund Shovel-Ready Public Library Construction Projects Statewide
Rationale: New Jersey currently has 51 shovel ready projects that could begin construction in 2009. Many of our public libraries are in outdated facilities that cannot adequately serve as 21st century libraries. Some of these libraries are urban, located in towns that do not have adequate funding to maintain and renovate their facilities. Some of our urban libraries are in old Carnegie buildings that require major renovation and repair. Both interior and exterior work is required because of the severe state of disrepair of many of these facilities. Other suburban library facilities have not had substantial renovation in the last twenty to thirty years and are not suited for the public library service trends of today. These buildings do not have adequate space for children’s services, little to no space for young adult and teen services, and do not have adequate meeting and program space so essential to today’s community center libraries. Both types of libraries need better computer training facilities and space for the use of new technologies in order to better serve the residents of New Jersey.
Amount Requested: $160 million. This allocation would fund construction of the 51 projects. Funds would be made available for additions and renovations to existing buildings, and some new construction. Library construction would be a major boon to the economy of New Jersey. A previously funded state $45 million public library construction bond program stimulated almost $280 million in the economy of New Jersey. The New Jersey State Library has an established grant program which could be put into effect immediately should funding be received.
Proposal: Upgrade Broadband Connectivity for Public Libraries
Rationale: There is a significant need for improved broadband connectivity in public libraries. The average connection speed for New Jersey public libraries does not allow for adequate use of the latest internet technologies by library customers. The primary bottleneck in terms of connectivity occurs within the “last mile,” the connection between the library and the statewide network.
In keeping with the goals of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, The New Jersey State Library, working in collaboration with K-12 and Higher Education partners, seeks to utilize federal stimulus funds to upgrade “last mile” broadband service for public libraries. The State Library maintains a statewide broadband network infrastructure for public libraries. This network provides redundant, stable and scalable high speed internet access for public libraries throughout New Jersey. In order for public libraries to provide high speed broadband access, “last mile” connectivity upgrades are required.
Amount Requested: $3.5 million.
Proposal: To establish a statewide literacy program for public libraries to work with
Head Start programs statewide
Rationale: The State Library has developed, in the recent past, a program on early childhood literacy which trained caretakers and parents on how to read to their children and how to make them reading-ready. The State Library would like to expand this recent program and encourage public libraries to partner with Head Start programs to further develop the reading skills of young children and to instill in the parents and the children the value and love of reading.
Amount Requested: $4.4 million. This allocation would cover the following costs for a comprehensive statewide program:
• Books, AV, educational activity kits, and software for the public libraries to loan to and use with the Head Start programs;
• Training for Head Start staff and for parents on the use of materials both in the program and at home;
• Computer lap top loans to Head Start programs for use with educational software;
• Early literacy computer stations in every public library.
NEW JERSEY STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Proposal: Connect New Jersey veterans and other blind or disabled NJ taxpayers with free goods and services that are critical vocational rehabilitation tools available to anyone who is: 1) visually impaired, 2) print disabled, or 3) has an organic brain dysfunction.
Rationale: According to the State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury Statistics of Income, 94,000 New Jerseyans check “blind” and/or “disabled” on their federal tax return. In addition, there are approximately 19,000 disabled veterans’ association members in New Jersey. However, of the 12,000 patrons of the New Jersey State Library for the Blind and Handicapped (NJLBH), only 509 have identified themselves as veterans. Therefore, the program will identify and connect thousands of New Jersey veterans and other taxpayers to free goods and services available to introduce literacy, reintegrate them into the workforce via assistive technology, and support their education.
Amount requested: $1 million. This allocation would cover the following costs for a comprehensive statewide program:
• Connect New Jersey’s wounded veterans to NJLBH’s services and technology by partnering with the State’s VA Hospital to create an on-site satellite distribution center. This connection will facilitate giving veterans preference for the digital player as it becomes an integrated tool. This resource will help them read, participate in their healthcare decision making and support their vocational rehabilitation.
• Notify New Jersey residents who may qualify for NJLBH services available to them free of charge by partnering with the NJ State Division of Taxation. A direct mail informational campaign will be created that target New Jersey taxpayers who checked “blind, “disabled,” and/or “veteran” on their 2008 tax return.
• Support the duplication and distribution of audio books with the purchase of a server with sufficient speed and memory capable of downloading and duplicating audio books for distribution to all NJLBH patrons.
• Adaptive equipment for NJLBH and NJ public libraries to use with blind or disabled residents.
