New Jersey State Library Newsletter

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation committed nearly $3.4 million in grants to bolster Internet connections for libraries in five states, and announced partnerships with 14 additional states, including New Jersey, to help public libraries compete for federal broadband stimulus funds. Nationally, libraries report that patron demand for high-speed Internet access is growing faster than their ability to provide increased bandwidth. A recent American Library Association study reports that 60 percent of all libraries say their current Internet speed is insufficient.

New Jersey will participate in the foundation’s new Opportunity Online broadband grant program, which will help libraries develop proposals for federal broadband stimulus funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) established through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The grant received by the New Jersey State Library will be used to assist in writing a grant proposal for submission to the BTOP for “last mile” connectivity, making public libraries community anchor institutions for broadband. The “last mile” is the final leg of delivering connectivity from a communications provider to a customer. It is typically seen as an expensive challenge because “fanning out” wires and cables is a considerable physical undertaking.

Currently, many NJ libraries are unable to offer adequate broadband connectivity for customers due to last mile limitations. This includes many underserved urban areas, as well as more rural and remote parts of the state.

The Gates Foundation grant provides a consultant who will work out of the State Library for 14 weeks compiling the grant proposal. If BTOP funding is awarded to the NJ State Library, the Gates Foundation will pay the 20 percent matching funding required by the BTOP.

“Improving connectivity to our libraries will allow for better access for the many New Jersey families who do not have computers or access to the Internet at home,” said Norma Blake, NJ State Librarian. “Our libraries have seen a dramatic increase in computer demand due to the recession’s impact on their communities. Their customers need this access for job searching, research, filing government documents and for homework assistance. Bolstering these last mile connections will allow our libraries to keep up with the increased demand for wireless internet connectivity; network applications and services; and offer expanded training programs and services.”

As a national leader in the direct delivery of technology services to public libraries, the NJ State Library is uniquely positioned to deliver enhanced, efficient and successful last mile connectivity to the state’s libraries. Through the JerseyConnect program, New Jersey libraries already benefit from an effective, stable and scalable statewide middle mile network infrastructure. With this network and support structure in place, the NJ State Library will be able to focus solely on the crucial last mile connection from the library to the statewide network.

“Federal, state and local government investments in connecting libraries to broadband are important steps toward realizing the vision of universal broadband access,” said Jill Nishi, deputy director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Libraries program. “When libraries have access to broadband, they can effectively deliver critical educational, employment, and government services for residents who lack Internet access elsewhere. As community anchor institutions, libraries can also help drive local broadband adoption.”

Nearly 40 percent of Americans, often those with lower incomes and lower levels of education, still do not have high-speed Internet access at home. In most communities (70 percent), the public library is the only provider of free Internet access available to residents.

The BTOP is expected to award federal stimulus grants to private and public sector applicants starting in early 2010 to expand broadband infrastructure to more communities across the country and to help new Internet users benefit from broadband access.

States participating in the foundation’s Opportunity Online broadband grant program will receive technical and consulting assistance to develop competitive funding proposals for BTOP, and will receive federally-required matching funds from the Gates Foundation, contingent on a successful BTOP award. Participating states will also receive assistance to help secure additional federal E-rate funding to sustain broadband connection costs in the future.

The foundation solicited letters of interest for the Opportunity Online broadband program from state libraries seeking to acquire significant additional broadband access for libraries in their respective states. The foundation chose to support states that articulated the most compelling and feasible projects aligned with the objectives of the BTOP program. The foundation also considered a state’s need for assistance in developing a competitive BTOP proposal.

The foundation has invested $350 million in grants and support to install and sustain computers in libraries and train thousands of library staff in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The foundation continues to support libraries through investments in programs, research, advocacy training, and public awareness efforts that will help libraries sustain high-quality online access for patrons in partnership with their communities. For more information, visit: www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries.

The New Jersey State Library has awarded a grant to the New Jersey Library Association to continue One Book NJ (OBNJ) to New Jersey readers in 2010. OBNJ is an exciting program that libraries and their partners promote across the state to bring people together through their love of books by encouraging them to read the same novel and participate in discussions and other events centered on it.

OBNJ celebrates reading, literacy and all that New Jersey’s libraries do that has made them the community gathering place for people of all ages. The NJSL serves as a leader in the provision, promotion and support of excellent quality library and information services for all people in New Jersey. Their support for One Book New Jersey will help to ensure another successful year of this valuable program.

“The New Jersey State Library is proud to once again partner with the New Jersey Library Association and the Secretary of State to support One Book NJ. This excellent program helps bridge our communities together through reading, discussions and programs at local libraries,” commented Norma Blake, NJ State Librarian.

One Book Projects were initiated by the Washington Center for the Book in 1998 and have spread to communities throughout the United States. The NJSL has partnered with the NJLA to present OBNJ since its initiation in 2003.

This year’s reading selections are:
Adult - The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Young Adult - The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Middle Grade - The Tale Of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Read to Me - Click Clack Moo : Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

One Book NJ is presented by the New Jersey Library Association’s Public Relations Committee and Children’s Services and Young Adult Sections, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Library and the Secretary of State. Local and statewide events will occur between January and April, with major events planned for National Library Week during the month of April.

The New Jersey State Library is pleased to announce the appointments of Victoria Rosch (photo left) to the position of Associate State Librarian for Special Projects, Peggy Cadigan (center) to the position of Associate State Librarian for Innovation & Outreach Strategies, and Michele Stricker (right) to the position of Deputy Head of Library Development.

In her new position, Rosch will be responsible for working on pilot and other special projects, advocating for legislative priorities, overseeing construction issues and assuring compliance with various administrative requirements and priorities. She will continue to write regulations and serve as a resource for library law. She began her career with the New Jersey State Library in the Library Development Bureau in 2003, and has served for the last two years as deputy director of the bureau. Her responsibilities included managing the Per Capita State Aid grant program and regulation updating, and serving as the state data coordinator and as a resource for New Jersey library law. For the 12 years prior to joining the staff of the State Library, Rosch held various positions of increasing importance at the Gloucester County Library, including eight years as the library director. She is a graduate of Rutgers University – Camden and received her Masters of Public Librarianship from Rowan University. She is a member of the New Jersey Library Association and the American Library Association.

Cadigan’s duties will include giving presentations on the future of libraries both in and out of state, and addressing varied audiences of library professionals and other interested parties to present information about State Library programs and projects. She will explore ways to enhance the State Library’s services to the libraries and residents of the state by engaging in partnerships and seeking development opportunities. She is also planning a follow-up to the Mid-Atlantic Library Futures Conference which she convened with other partners in 2005. Her most recent successful venture was the creation and implementation of “Snapshot Day,” held in 2009 in partnership with the New Jersey Library Association. The purpose of Snapshot Day was to capture the impact that New Jersey libraries have on their communities on a typical day. A survey captured the daily activities of libraries across the state, and revealed that, in just one day, more than 160,000 people walk through the doors of New Jersey’s libraries. The American Library Association will be promoting Snapshot Day as a national event. Cadigan graduated magna cum laude from Hobart & William Smith College, Geneva, N.Y., and received her Master’s degree in Library Science from Rutgers University.

As Deputy Head of Library Development, Stricker will be responsible for working on library law, trustee education, the Trustee Institute, preservation and disaster preparedness programs & grants, and other grants programs. She had been serving as consultant for Library Trustees, Preservation and Literacy at the State Library, and received certification as a Preservation Management Consultant from the Rutgers School of Communication & Information. She was one of only 70 representatives from libraries and museums nationwide selected by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to attend a national forum last June in Buffalo, New York, entitled “Stewardship of America’s Legacy: Answering the Call to Action.” Stricker holds a bachelor’s degree from Tyler School of Art of Temple University, a master of fine arts in Museum Studies from Syracuse University, a master of arts in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s in Library & Information Science from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. She is a member of the American Library Association Preservation & Reformatting Section, a board member of NJ Library Association History & Preservation Section, and Lyrasis Preservation Group.

Bringing together literary lovers of all ages from across the nation, the 2009 National Book Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The New Jersey Center for the Book will play a unique and special role promoting reading in the National Book Festival’s popular Pavilion of the States sponsored for the ninth year by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Alongside representatives from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. trusts and territories, the New Jersey Center for the Book will share information about state reading- and library-promotion programs, and answer questions about New Jersey writers, libraries, book festivals, book awards and reading promotion activities. In addition, several festival authors and illustrators will make scheduled visits to their state’s table to greet fans and sign autographs.

Other featured pavilions are dedicated to book genres ranging from history and biography to mysteries, thrillers, poetry and prose, as well as books for families and young people. Aside from visiting pavilions, festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite authors, get books signed, have photos taken with PBS storybook characters and participate in a variety of learning activities.

Families and young people unable to make it to D.C. for the event can experience the festival virtually. The 2009 National Book Festival Young Reader’s Toolkit brings the festival into libraries, schools, homes and communities nationwide. Featuring information on festival authors who write for children and teens as well as podcasts of their readings, teaching tools and activities for kids, this interactive learning resource also shows educators, parents and children how they can host their own book festivals. The toolkit will be available late summer on the National Book Festival website, www.loc.gov/bookfest.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will serve as Honorary Chairs of the ninth annual festival. Free and open to the public, the festival is sponsored by the Library of Congress and will feature some 75 award-winning authors, poets and illustrators celebrating the joys of reading and lifelong literacy.

The NJ Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress, works to foster an awareness of the vital role of books, reading, libraries and literacy have in society. Past projects have included conducting workshops for teachers, showcasing NJ libraries at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. and conducting the Letters about Literature contest for young writers.

NJ Center for the Book Web site

The four state Regional Library Cooperatives have received funding from the New Jersey State Library, given to ensure equity of services while controlling costs statewide, and support delivery of statewide services such as JerseyCat, JerseyClicks and continuing education.

The Highlands RLC received $881,474; the Central Jersey RLC received $528,957; the South Jersey RLC received $704,946; and INFOLINK, the Eastern New Jersey RLC received $861,758.

JerseyCat is a statewide online catalogue for interlibrary loans, while JerseyClicks is a suite of valuable research sources available to anyone with a New Jersey public library card.

“The New Jersey State Library is pleased to continue its ongoing partnership with the Regional Cooperatives,” said Norma Blake, New Jersey State Librarian. “The funding is essential to maintaining libraries as centers for lifelong learning and information. The money provides for public access to valuable Internet resources, sustains a productive workforce and empowers citizens with access to news, information and services vital to them in today’s economy. We rely on the help, expertise and knowledge of the RLC’s about their local communities to deliver these services and resources efficiently and effectively,” Blake added.

The Regional Library Cooperatives and their services are funded by the New Jersey State Library which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network.

The South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative has been awarded a grant of $200,000 from the NJ State Library to continue its management of QandANJ - a premier live reference service available free to New Jersey library card holders.

QandANJ is a 24-hour online information service staffed by professional librarians from participating libraries across the state. Combining the speed of the Internet with the savvy of professional librarians, QandANJ.org is among the busiest statewide Web-based information services in the United States.

The New Jersey State Library initially provided funding to the SJRLC to pilot and maintain this innovative program that has expanded to a highly successful statewide service. This will be the ninth year in a row the SJRLC has been awarded the grant to manage QandANJ.

“QandANJ is certainly a New Jersey success story and we are glad to continue our partnership with the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, which has pioneered the service from a pilot project with a handful of libraries to a program that now relies on the expertise of librarians from across the state. As an online information service, QandANJ is a model for the rest of the nation,” said Norma E. Blake, New Jersey state librarian.

QandANJ is supported by the NJ State Library, managed by the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, staffed by member libraries in the New Jersey Library Network and is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency whose mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people with information and ideas.

On August 25, 2009, at the Mount Laurel Library, the NJ State Library sponsored a workshop for interested librarians on developing the graphic novel collection at their library.

Presenters were (from left in photo): David Lisa, the State Library’s Urban Libraries and Adult Services Specialist; Sophie Brookover, librarian with Eastern Regional Senior High School, Audubon; David Inabnitt, librarian with the Brooklyn Public Library; Laverne Mann, librarian with the Mercer County Library; and John Cunningham, vice president of marketing for DC Comics.

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LONG BRANCH — The Long Branch Public Library has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the New Jersey State Library.

The grant was given to the library on June 9 to implement, strengthen and expand the capability of library staff in the areas of job seeking, unemployment and related services to library customers.

These services will include a model career center computer lab, a virtual career center and in-person as well as virtual training in the use of online resources.

Long Branch Library Director Ingrid Bruck said that the grant money is one of three pieces of good news the library received in June.
“We had three pieces of good news recently,” Bruck said. “We got the grant money, but we also found out that New Jersey Natural Gas [NJNG] will be purchasing some computers for $10,000 and that the state will use our virtual career center as a model on the statewide level.”

“We had three pieces of good news recently,” Bruck said. “We got the grant money, but we also found out that New Jersey Natural Gas [NJNG] will be purchasing some computers for $10,000 and that the state will use our virtual career center as a model on the statewide level.”

Bruck explained that the grant funds will help people qualify for jobs in the community.

The money will ultimately be used to fund a teacher and state-of-the-art computers to help with the training class.

“The state library funded a teacher so we can have classes for people without jobs,” Bruck said. “We got the grant so we can use it on a teacher and equipment.”

Bruck said a teacher has not been officially named yet.

The class will begin in the middle of July and run 16 weeks. There will be 12 people attending the class, according to Bruck, and the goal of the class is to get people re-employed.

“The focus of the class will be helping people getting back to work,” Bruck said. You can read the entire article in the Atlanticville Newspaper.

NJ State Librarian Norma Blake (second from left) with the IMLS scholars who attended the NJLA Annual Conference. If not for the grant, they would not have been able to afford to attend. With Blake are, from left: Janice Peoples from Plainfield Public Library, and Aurelia Rodriguez, Shileen Shaw and Lolata Greggs, all from the Newark Public Llibrary.

Scholars working on their degrees under the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program were among the attendees at “Recruiting and Mentoring a Diverse Workforce for New Jersey’s Libraries” held at the Monroe Township Public Library.

Featured speakers included Nicole Cooke, president of the NJ Black Caucus of ALA; Maria Baratta, assistant director of the New Jersey State Library Braille and Talking Book Center; and Mario Gonzalez, director of Passaic Public Library and Executive Board Member of the ALA.

Fifty participants learned about the State Library’s model for securing a diverse library workforce and various recruitment and mentoring methods.

Pictured above are IMLS grant scholars from both the 2003 and 2006 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.

The Long Branch Public Library has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the New Jersey State Library to implement, strengthen and expand the capability of library staff in the areas of job seeking, unemployment and related services to library customers, to include a model career center computer lab, a virtual career center and in-person as well as virtual training in the use of online resources.

The initiatives under this program will serve as a model for other libraries to replicate in their efforts to increase their ability to serve their communities during difficult economic times.

“In response to these harsh economic times, New Jersey’s libraries are not just maintaining services, but adding programs to help their community members who have lost their jobs to learn new skills, to cope with new challenges and to ease their fears,” emphasized Norma E. Blake, New Jersey State Librarian. “Long Branch Public Library’s Virtual Career Center was one of those forward-looking initiatives which we wholeheartedly support and endorse.”

The Long Branch Public Library’s Virtual Career Center is supported the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network.

INFOLINK, the Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative based in Piscataway, has been awarded a $25,000 Diversity Grant from the New Jersey State Library to fund the initiation, implementation, strengthening and expansion of diversity initiatives.

As a source of information on diversity issues, the project will enable libraries to share successful diversity programs and services. Libraries throughout the region will be able to search for and contribute information to develop local diversity programs, outreach events and staff training sessions using the experience, knowledge and best practices from other libraries.

This program is funded in whole or in part by the New Jersey State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency whose mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

The Atlantic City Free Public Library received a $40,000 grant to create a special Teen Space, which is expected to open in September 2009. The project was funded by the Atlantic City Free Public Library, the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and the New Jersey State Library.

The 985-square-foot Teen Space will be located on the second floor of the Main Library. It will be a casual, teen-only area for teens to gather, and will include work stations, modern lounge furniture, space to hold meetings and special programs, computers, a large screen television, video gaming area and CD listening station.

Another section will be designed for teens to read, study, use a computer and do homework or research. The library’s teen collection of books, magazines, movies, games and music will be located there – and parents, teachers and others will have access to this area to utilize those resources.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to expand services for teens in Atlantic City,” said Maureen Sherr Frank, director of the library. “We are looking forward to developing a special area with new technology and educational resources in the Main Library to encourage learning, exploration and creativity.”

Youth Services librarian Jennifer Boyce is the Teen Space project coordinator.

Interior designer Shaina Horton came up with a vibrant, colorful and modern look in her Teen Space design. One of the most visually dramatic aspects of the space will be a large mural designed by graffiti artist Stephen Gibson. Local teens gave their opinions on what Gibson’s mural design should include, and they helped him paint the mural during a series of April workshops.

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Follow the progress of the project by going to http://www.acfpl.org/index.php?option=com_idoblog&view=idoblog&Itemid=893

The New Jersey State Library is pleased to announce it is awarding a total of $195,686 in literacy grants to 13 public libraries in the state. The literacy grants are awarded on a competitive basis to help local libraries develop and sustain programs that address literacy needs in New Jersey communities. FULL STORY

A plan to preserve New Jersey’s rich cultural treasures held in museums, libraries and archives has come to fruition thanks to a Statewide Planning Grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through their “Connecting to Collections preservation initiative.

For the first time a consortium of New Jersey cultural institutions, including the New Jersey State Library, The Newark Museum, the Rutgers University Libraries, the New Jersey State Museum, and the New Jersey State Archives, have the opportunity to assess statewide preservation needs and to develop short and long-term plans to conserve New Jersey’s vast collection materials. Groups representing libraries, history museums and archives throughout the state, including the New Jersey Library Association are involved in the planning process.

For further information contact Michele Stricker, Consultant, Library Development Bureau at 609-278-2640 Ext. 164 or email mstricker@njstatelib.

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