The State Library\x92s JerseyConnect team has responded to many questions in regards to the State\x92s FY11 budget and the proposed cuts to library service. This message is to clarify the status of your services through JerseyConnect.

New Jersey State Library receives approximately $4.5 million annually in federal funds. These funds are used to support JerseyConnect and other state-wide services. Continued receipt of this funding is dependent upon the State providing a match. In the proposed FY11 State budget, all matching funds provided by Network and Virtual Aid funding are eliminated. Note that JerseyConnect has enough federal funds to function and be fully supported until June 30, 2012. THE CONCERN IS THAT IF FUNDING IS NOT RESTORED IN THE PENDING FY11 STATE BUDGET, THERE WILL BE NO FEDERAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR JERSEYCONNECT AFTER JULY 1 2012. In addition, the State Library will not be able to accept the $7.5 million dollars of federal stimulus money if awarded by the NTIA grant. This grant will provide JerseyConnect with funding to upgrade the system and provide libraries with computers, training and increased broadband capacity.

What can you do to assure JerseyConnect services in 2012 and beyond? Register with the New Jersey Library Association at http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/mlm/signup/ to receive email updates and legislative information. To keep the critical services JerseyConnect provides to New Jersey residents, contact your state senator and assemblyperson and request that $ 4.3 million in Library Network Aid and $1.2 million in Virtual Library Aid be restored to the State\x92s FY11 budget so that JerseyConnect and other state-wide services may continue, and so that New Jersey may continue to receive $4.5 million in annual LSTA funding and possibly $7.5 million in NTIA funding.

Mike Rasimowicz Director of IT New Jersey State Library mrasimowicz@PROTECTED 609.278.2640 ext.199

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