The New Jersey State Library is hosting a Public Library Directors conference on September 5, 2019, at the Monmouth County Library, in Manalapan, NJ.

Network and renew connections with your community of practice among library directors throughout the state. This one-day event will feature two workshops focusing on the latest developments in Library Law, and understanding and mapping community needs meant to enhance your strategic planning, programming, and collection development activities.

 

Identifying Community Wants, Needs, and Aspirations with Kristin Fontichiaro

Whether you are applying for a grant, updating your strategic plan, or rebalancing your outreach and programming efforts to be more responsive to your community, it pays to gather demographic data and the opinions of stakeholders. In this workshop, we'll start by reviewing some user-friendly data sources that can help you track and identify changes in your community. Then, we'll turn a fresh eye to informational interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and patrons. Too often, we approach community colleagues with an ask in mind. We'll discuss how you can, instead, set aside time to listen and gain their insights, priorities, and perceptions. You'll learn strategies and protocols for those conversations and have time to practice.

Kristin Fontichiaro is a clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, where her research and teaching focus on library education, community engagement, and communicating with data.

 

Refresher in Library Law by Michael Cerone, Esq.

Mr. Cerone will present a general refresher on important library laws that both you and your trustees need to know. He will emphasize the most important regulations that pertain to your role as a public library director. There will be plenty of time for a Q and A session from the audience.

Michael Cerone began representing libraries in 1986 when he was hired by his hometown library, Clifton. Since that time he has represented over twenty libraries handling a wide range of employment, construction and contract issues.

 

After the program, participants will be able to:

• Collaborate with other library directors from across the State.
• Have a better understanding of New Jersey library law.
• Apply innovative strategies for mapping your specific community needs.

 

Audience: New Jersey Public Library Directors

Program fee: $50

Date: September 5, 2019

Time: 9:00-4:30
(Registration begins at 9:00 AM)

Venue: Monmouth County Library Headquarters
125 Symmes Drive
Manalapan, NJ 07726-3249

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/experienced-directors-summit-tickets-64635386180

Please direct any questions, or special dietary needs, to Michele Stricker, Deputy State Librarian for Lifelong Learning, mstricker@PROTECTED