Please contact Peggy Cadigan at the New Jersey State Library if you have any questions 609-278-2640, x113, pcadigan@njstatelib.org

The New Jersey State Library is happy to announce “SWAT Team – Round 3,” offering you an opportunity to transform the physical interior space of your library.

NJSL has created a “SWAT Team of Library Transformers,” a group of individuals who have years of experience and vast stores of talent to share with you.  These consultants’ services will be paid for by the New Jersey State Library and they will be available to offer their expertise regarding your proposed project.  They will support you and inspire you and be available for periodic consultations throughout the duration of your project.

NOTE: Only public libraries are eligible to apply

See below for further information and to apply.

NEW JERSEY STATE LIBRARY “SWAT TEAM”

LIBRARY TRANSFORMATION APPLICATION

Submit an application including the following:

• State your transformational goals for the space you have selected. 

            Are you trying to showcase your DVD collection?

            Are you trying to create better sight lines?

            Are you using color and new fixtures to brighten the interior space?

NOTE: While general advice on lighting may be given, major lighting projects are beyond the expertise of the consultants.

• Submit photographs showing the space you want to transform.  These will be your “before” photos.

• Submit documentation that you have had an internal dialogue with staff about the project.

            Survey results

            Notes from focus group

• Include a Letter of Endorsement or resolution from your Board of Trustees indicating their support for this project.  This support MUST INCLUDE a minimum appropriation of $5,000 which you will use for your project. The New Jersey State Library will pay the consultants’ fees to enable them to assist you in your library’s transformation at no charge to your library.

Your library will benefit from the expertise of librarians who have transformed their own libraries and are willing to act as consultants to you and your staff.  Consultants will be available for an initial consultation, a mid-project consultation and a final consultation.

Included among the selection criteria:

·        Project has a positive impact on customers

·        Project has a dramatic visible result

·        Evidence of staff input to project design

·        Result provides a good example for other libraries

Selected libraries will be invited to bring their own “Transformation Team” to the Mount Laurel Public Library, where they will tour the library and receive expert advice from Kathy Schalk-Greene, Director at Mount Laurel Public Library along with the SWAT Team consultants.

Timeline:

Deadline to apply May 1, 2013

Selections announced May 15, 2013, after review by SWAT Team Consultants and New Jersey State Library representative

Funds committed by December 31, 2013

Unveiling of your transformed library space– by June 2014

Send application, including supporting documents, to:

Peggy Cadigan

Deputy State Librarian for Innovation & Outreach

New Jersey State Library

185 West State Street

P.O. Box 520

Trenton, NJ 08625-0520

SWAT Team Consultants:

Kathy Schalk-Green, Mount Laurel Library, chair

Jayne Beline, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library

Cheryl McBride, North Brunswick Public Library

Gloria Urban, Vineland Public Library

*Libraries that have been transformed:

Atlantic County Library – Mays Landing

Caldwell Public Library

Clifton Public Library – Allwood Branch

Gloucester County Library – Glassboro Branch

Matawan-Aberdeen public Library

Midland Park Public Library

Sayreville Public Library

*To see before and after photos of libraries that have been transformed by the SWAT team:

http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/891645-264/expert_makeover_library_transformers_bring.html.csp

If you do not wish to receive emails from the New Jersey State Library News, please email me and I will remove you from the list – ddelgross@njstatelib.org. Thank you.

The New Jersey State Library

185 West State Street

Trenton, NJ 08635

(609) 278-2640 x170

(609) 278-2650