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Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference 2024 Pitch Competition

Fri, 03/15/2024 - 10:43am

The Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference is offering their pitch competition again this spring. They’ll be kicking things off with a Zoom workshop on March 27th, 1-2:15 p.m. on how libraries can make effective pitches to engage with local entrepreneurs, job hunters, nonprofits, and economic development initiatives.

Pitch Perfect: A Workshop for Libraries

Want to know what makes a business funding pitch stand out from the rest? Find out at Pitch Perfect: A Workshop for Libraries, a free event on March 27, 2024 from 1-2:15 p.m. on Zoom. Hosted by the Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference (ELC), this workshop will showcase past ELC pitch competition winners plus a “Pitch Me Anything!” panel of business and library experts who will share tips, best practices, and answer audience questions in an ask-me-anything style open discussion. From content to delivery, this workshop will give attendees the tools to build a compelling presentation and prepare them to compete for $7,000 in prizes in ELC’s upcoming pitch event (via Zoom on May 15, 1-2:15 p.m.), sponsored by EBSCO, Privco, SimplyAnalytics and Anonymous. The workshop will conclude with a networking session.

Click here to register for the workshop. Key dates:

March 27: “Pitch perfect” workshop (1-2:15 p.m. via Zoom)
April 5: Pitch submissions deadline
April 15: “Top three” finalist libraries notified
May 15: Pitch competition (1-2:15 p.m. via Zoom, open to all)

Submissions for the pitch competition are open now! Questions? Contact these co-chairs:

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The New Jersey Department of State’s Civic Learning Week

Fri, 03/01/2024 - 12:16pm

The New Jersey Department of State’s Jersey Civic Engage initiative is excited to be part of Civic Learning Week, a national effort to prioritize civic education in order to sustain and strengthen our constitutional democracy! Scheduled for March 11–15 this year, Civic Learning Week is an annual nonpartisan event that brings together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors to highlight and further energize the movement for civic education in states and communities across the nation.

Today, the NJ Department of State invites you to join them in this important effort to make civic education a New Jersey and nationwide priority by engaging with Civic Learning Week in any or all of the following ways:

Click here to download Program Flyer for display in your library.

 

Click here to download an info sheet on Civic Learning Week.

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NJSL Monthly Report – February 2024

Mon, 02/26/2024 - 9:20am
State Librarian’s Update February 2024

The New Jersey State Library is part of a multi-state initiative that is exploring artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries and library service. Together with Don Means (Gigabit Libraries Network) and R. David Lankes (University of Texas-Austin), the yearlong project will engage researchers in identifying essential questions related to AI and seeking practical applications in addition to a theoretical understanding. We’ll keep you posted on the project throughout the year.

Jen Nelson State Librarian

 

Click here to view full update.

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March 15th – Winter Reading Challenge Prize Drawing!!

Thu, 02/08/2024 - 12:55pm

TBBC’s Winter Reading Challenge “Chilly Chapters”, will come to a close on March 15, 2024.  The conclusion will be celebrated with a prize drawing on Mar. 15th.  This year’s prize is A Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1″, 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, black, without lock screen ads.  The winner will be notified by phone and/or email and will be announced in the Spring issue of the Newsletter.

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The NJ State Library is providing all NJ residents with free access to over 20,000 eBooks & Audiobooks through the Palace Project

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 9:00am

Users can easily access books via mobile app using their library card

The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, is pleased to announce the statewide roll out of the Palace Project, a new digital library service that offers free ebooks and audiobooks in one easy-to-use app. Through the Palace app, library users have access to over 20,000 items curated by the Digital Public Library of America and the New Jersey State Library. The app contains a vast collection of ebooks and professionally narrated audiobooks, ranging from classic novels to the latest bestsellers. Additionally, the State Library has curated its own digital lending collection within the app – the New Jersey Topics Shelf. This growing collection of digital books features New Jersey biographies, inventions, events, photographs and much more.

Users can access the Palace app on their preferred mobile device via download from the Apple or Google Play stores. The process for signing up is completely self-contained within the app, and will require a library card, an email address, and authentication through geolocation (anywhere in NJ). Books can be borrowed and read on your mobile device, and downloaded for use when you are not connected to the internet.

“This new e-reading experience allows users to access thousands of free books in one simple app. It offers unique content, including many titles without holds, waits or checkouts, making it perfect for use in the classroom, for book clubs and community events, and for those who just love to read,” said Michael Maziekien, Shared Services Project Specialist, New Jersey State Library. “The Palace mobile app transforms the way our patrons engage with our collections, making it easier than ever to explore, learn and connect.”

Learn more about the Palace Project, and how to access the Palace app, at: www.njstatelib.org/thepalaceproject.

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New Palace Project Collection – New Jersey Topics

Thu, 01/25/2024 - 10:05am

All New Jersey Palace Project users now have access to a new digital lending collection – the New Jersey Topics shelf! This growing collection of ebooks and digital audiobooks features New Jersey biographies, inventions, events, photographs and much more. New Jersey users of the Palace app (available for iOS and Android at https://thepalaceproject.org/), whether they belong to a participating library or use a Palace Statewide Virtual Barcode obtained through the New Jersey State Library, can log in and access the collection today. To view steps for setting up a Virtual Barcode, visit https://www.njstatelib.org/thepalaceproject.

The Palace platform (https://thepalaceproject.org/platform/),  which originated as SimplyE at the New York Public Library, is a set of digital content tools for libraries and their patrons, including an ebook marketplace, collection manager and patron-facing app for borrowing and accessing materials. New Jersey’s participating libraries can expand ease of discovery for their digital collections, while providing patrons with access to over 20,000 items curated by the Digital Public Library of America and the New Jersey State Library. The Palace Project is a division of LYRASIS, a non-profit member organization supporting libraries around the globe. If you have questions, or if you are interested in becoming a participating library, please email palaceproject@njstatelib.org.

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New Members Appointed to Library Network Review Board

Mon, 01/22/2024 - 8:59am
Library Network Review Board (LNRB)

LNRB meets at least annually and advises the State Librarian on matters pertaining to necessary or desirable statewide and inter-regional programs or services; and types of interaction and linkage of the New Jersey Library Network with interstate and national library networks. The board is composed of 4 members appointed by LibraryLinkNJ Executive Board and up to four members appointed by the State Librarian. Each member of the library network review board serves for a term of two years, and may be reappointed for a second term.

We are excited to announce the new appointments to the board as follows.

 

Claire Houghton-Kiel, School Librarian Passaic County Technical Institute 45 Reinhardt Road Wayne, NJ 07470 (973) 389-8249 ckiel@pcti.tec.nj.us Appointed by LibraryLinkNJ January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 Ann Marie Latini, Librarian of Practice III – Head of Access Services Paul Robeson Library Rutgers University – Camden 300 N. 4th Street Camden, NJ  08102 (856) 225-2839 aml438@libraries.rutgers.edu State Librarian appointee January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 Dale Spindel, Library Director Springfield Free Public Library 66 Mountain Avenue Springfield, NJ 07081 (908) 447-8917 dspindel@sfplnj.org Appointed by LibraryLinkNJ January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 Margie Ticknor, Director Kemmerer Library – Harding Township 19 Blue Mill Rd New Vernon, NJ 07976 (973) 267-2665 margie.ticknor@harding.mainlib.org State Librarian appointee January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 Click here for additional details and meeting minutes.

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NJSL Monthly Report – January 2024

Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:05am
State Librarian’s Update January 2024

I am excited to let you all know that the New Jersey State Library will be accepting applications for a new position – Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives. Reporting directly to me, this individual will serve as a conduit for statewide and national strategic initiatives, coordinating projects that leverage the strengths of the New Jersey State Library and its component parts, to advance library services to the people of New Jersey. The position will be posted soon; in the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions for me.

We held the first meetings of the Network Library Services and Per Capita State Aid regulation working groups in early January. The lively meetings allowed us to set the stage for our future conversations and to create shared expectations. Please keep an eye out for upcoming Listening Sessions that you can participate in. Or feel free to forward your thoughts to me for distribution to the relevant working group.

Finally, I hope that this new year brings each of you joy – both personal and professional – and the opportunity to make meaningful connections that fill your spirit.

Jen Nelson

State Librarian

Click here to view full update.

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NJ State Library 2023 Year End Wrap-Up

Mon, 01/15/2024 - 10:09am
2023 Year End Wrap-Up

The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), serves a variety of functions. These include delivering direct services to state government, state employees, and the public, as well as providing support for New Jersey’s network of libraries (academic, school, public and special). The State Library offers a law library, a research library, and a library for the visually and print impaired.

What follows is an overview of some of the many accomplishments at the New Jersey State Library during the 2023 calendar year.

Click here to view full annual report.

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Register for the 2024 Annual Virtual New Directors Orientation

Wed, 01/10/2024 - 10:14am

Join us for our annual New Directors Training that will once again be offered as a virtual event. As a new director, NJSL is here to support you in your role by offering basic training on a number of topics that are considered core knowledge for any leader of a public library in the state.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

 

TOPICS INCLUDE:
• Library Law
• Budgeting
• Purchasing
• Strategic Planning
• Working with Trustees & Elected Officials
• Managing Library Staff and more!

Find out about the New Jersey State Library and how our departments can help you.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Please note that while this training is geared toward new library directors, ALL LIBRARY DIRECTORS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

Click here to view agenda.

 

 

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2024 Northstar Training Opportunities

Thu, 12/21/2023 - 3:30pm
Overview of Northstar Features

Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024

Time: 10:00-11:30am

In this training, you will learn about Northstar Digital Literacy standards, assessments, curriculum, self-directed online learning, and reporting. You will ascertain how to start incorporating and implementing digital literacy into your organization using the Northstar features.

Click here to register. Incorporating Digital Literacy Routines into ELL Instruction

Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024

Time: 10:00-11:30am

In this training we will look at the new teacher resource guide Northstar has created to help instructors incorporate daily routines to help build essential digital literacy skills into all levels of ELL classrooms. Aligned with the Northstar standards, these routines are valuable for programs who don’t have access to a separate digital literacy course and for use with lower level digital literacy and/or ELL students who would benefit from an on-ramp to the full Northstar curriculum. Topics covered in the training will be:

  • Simple/fast rubrics for teachers to use as a pre/post assessment of beginning level digital skills knowledge
  • An in-depth look at how to use the guide
  • A demonstration of a routine (or two) from the perspective of both student and teacher
  • Best practices for teaching digital literacy to ELL learners
Click here to register Keeping Learners Motivated

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

Time: 10:00-11:30am

In this training we will take a look at adult persistence learning theory and steps programs can take to keep adult learners motivated and persisting in their learning.

Click here to register.

 

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2024-2025 Scholarship Opportunities Available

Thu, 12/21/2023 - 3:21pm
EQUITY SCHOLARSHIPS

In partnership with the New Jersey State Library, Library Link NJ, and Rutgers University, the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) will provide scholarships in the amount of $8,500 to be used for the Fall Semester (September 2024) and the Winter/Spring semester (January 2025). These awards intend to increase equity and diversity in the recruitment and retention of library workers in the state of New Jersey who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, and/or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

Equity Scholarship winners will also receive opportunities for professional development via a two-year complimentary NJLA Membership and two years of complimentary attendance to the NJLA Conference!

COURSE SCHOLARSHIPS

Any LIS student enrolled or accepted into an accredited LIS program and who works/lives/or attends graduate school in New Jersey is eligible to apply. These scholarships are meant to cover the cost of one course and will be awarded in the amount of $3,750.

Applicable candidates are eligible to be awarded both an Equity and a Course scholarship.

Applications open January 1st and are due by March 15, 2024. Click here to apply. Questions? Email: scholarshipnjla@gmail.com

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State Librarian’s Update – December 2023

Thu, 12/21/2023 - 2:12pm
State Librarian’s Update December 2023

The close of the year is always a time for reflection – 2023 is no different. I want to take a moment to extend my thanks to the staff of the New Jersey State Library and all of its components – the Research Library, Talking Book and Braille Center, Jersey Connect, Library Development and the Business and Facilities Office – for their creative commitment to providing services and meeting the needs of residents, state employees, TESU students and library staff.

2024 promises to be an interesting and busy year. We’re moving forward with grant making for the Capital Projects Fund, we will be reviewing Per Capita State Aid and Library Network Services regulations, and starting on our Information Literacy project.

I hope you will keep your eye out for opportunities to be involved in these or other projects that surface during the year. We appreciate the opportunity to work with all of you and learn from you. Thank you.

Happy New Year!

Jen Nelson

State Librarian

Click here to view full update. 

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The Many Faces of BARD program on Dec. 14th @7PM

Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:48am

The topic for the Many Faces of BARD program on December 14th at 7PM will be Using BARD Mobile for Android for Low-Vision Users. The virtual demonstration will show how our low-vision users can navigate without speech.

Click to learn more and register

 

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2023 Public Library Association Technology Survey

Thu, 12/07/2023 - 11:33am
Posted on behalf of the Public Library Association

Attention Library Directors: Please take the time to contribute your responses to the Public Library Association’s 2023 Public Library Technology Survey. The perspectives of libraries in our state are currently underrepresented in the responses.

At the local level, the New Jersey State Library will be able to use the survey results to better understand the unique challenges you face and to support technology and digital equity advocacy efforts in the state. Tell us: What technology programs and resources are you able to offer to your community? What challenges do you face in providing those services?

It should take you less than 30 minutes to complete the survey. Login to your library’s free Benchmark account at https://librarybenchmark.org to participate by December 16th. Click on “Surveys” in the menu, and you will see this survey listed under “Open Surveys.” The survey has five sections. When you’ve completed them, be sure to click “save and submit” at the bottom of the final section. If you are not sure of your library’s login details or have any other questions about the survey, please contact plabenchmark@ala.org.

Thank you for your time and input!

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NJSL’s Director of Literacy and Learning to Present to Staff at the Burlington County Library System

Mon, 12/04/2023 - 12:59pm

We are pleased to share with you that Mimi Lee, Director of Literacy and Learning at the New Jersey State Library will offer a talk and presentation for all staff at the Burlington County Library System (BCLS) on January 18th, 2024, 2:00-3:30 pm at the main library in Westampton, NJ.

Promoting DEI as an important part of the library’s mission, the BCLS Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Committee has invited Mimi to talk about what DEI means for library staff, and what they can keep in mind and in practice moving forward. Mimi will share her personal and professional perspective in working with DEI initiatives across the State, and the current trajectory and its impact on libraries and staff. This presentation will offer insight on what to prepare for and integrate so the library staff can continue to make BCLS a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for them and every member of the community.  This will be a 60-minute session, followed with Q&A.

Topic: “What DEI Means for Library Staff” Date: Thursday, January 18th Time: 2 pm – 3:30 pm Venue: BCL – Meeting Rooms A & B

 

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