Dear Colleagues,
The last year and a half have been trying for everyone, especially library staff and management.  You maintained library services in ways that most of us never dreamed possible and from what we hear from around the State you did it with grace and aplomb.  Directives from State government intended to protect library staff and patrons from COVID transmission also prevented libraries from achieving many State Aid minimum standards during this time. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, then State Librarian Mary Chute decided to suspend all State Aid minimum standards except for the training-based standards (Librarian Training, Staff Training, and Board Training).  While many libraries were able to complete the training, which is an essential part of library employee and board member service, some also were not. 

Today, State Librarian Jen Nelson is announcing all training-based minimum standards are being suspended for the current round of State Aid.  We see no sense in punishing libraries doing very hard work in this uniquely trying time just because they were stretched so thin that training had to necessarily take a back seat to providing service.  These minimum standards will be reinstated at the beginning of 2022, which will be reported on in the 2023 Annual Survey.  If you have any questions about this decision please direct them to Bob Keith at rkeith@PROTECTED.

Best regards,

Bob Keith
Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics
New Jersey State Library

Street Address:
185 W. State St.
Trenton, NJ 08608

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 520
Trenton, NJ 08625

P: 609-278-2640x192
F: 609-278-2650
rkeith@PROTECTED

The above information does not constitute legal advice or opinion.  Please consult with an attorney prior to taking any action on the above information.