The NJ State Library and the NJ Library Trustee Association would like to extend our best wishes to you during this difficult time, hoping that you and your family are safe. Even though libraries are closed to the public and all activity at this time, including for your board meetings, we want to remind you that we have licensed United for Libraries’ Trustee Academy Webinar series and Short Takes videos for your continuing education. They may be accessed through the NJSL website at: https://www.njstatelib.org/servic ...Continue Reading

Join Attorney Michael A. Cerone, Jr., Esq. for an overview of the Open Public Meetings Act and how library boards may be affected during a state of emergency. A question and answer period will follow. This program is sponsored by the New Jersey Library Trustee Association. You are invited to a Zoom webinar.  When: Apr 6, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  Topic: Library Boards and the Open Public Meetings Act  Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PlB-6w_WT ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please read the news story here (https://www.njstatelib.org/news/ebsco-offers-free-access-to-nj-libraries-through-june/) for a list of databases offered to New Jersey libraries through June from EBSCO. 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 constitut ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The New Jersey State Library has negotiated at home access of HeritageQuest for New Jersey residents without a library card.  This access will be in place for as long as the current COVID-19 situation exists.  Please add the following link to the databases page on your website:     https://www.heritagequestonline.com/barcode?aid=28278    When users visit that page they will be prompted for a library barcode.  The barcode used must be the following:   NJCOVID1 ...Continue Reading

Good Morning, ReferenceUSA is functioning again.  Users may have to clear the cookies in their browser prior to accessing the database.  Please let me know if you have any questions. 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. ...Continue Reading

Good morning, ReferenceUSA is currently experiencing network issues which prevent outside access.  They are working to fix the problem and when they are successful I will notify everyone here. 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 opi ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, All New Jersey library employees are to be commended for their hard work during this trying time.  Please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated by the people of New Jersey. We understand that the directives from state government have been coming in at a rapid pace.  We hope that the following information can assist in identifying some of the directives most pertinent to the work of our public libraries.   On March 21st Governor Murphy signed Executive Order (EO) 107.&nbs ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please share the following with your Boards of Trustees and your attorneys: The Division of Local Government Services has issued new local operational guidance to assist local units in conducting remote public meetings. To ensure continuity of government operations while maintaining the necessary social distance to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the Division issues this guidance document (link below) to remind local government officers and employees of the options available to assist them in conducti ...Continue Reading

ALA released the following statement this morning recommending libraries leave WiFI open during closures: http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/03/american-library-association-recommends-libraries-leave-wifi-open-during In light of this, the State Library is interested in the answer to this question: 1. Does your library have any hotspots, and if so, how many? Please send your response to this question to Sharon Rawlins, srawlins@PROTECTED. All the best, Sharon Rawlins, MLS Youth Services Specialis ...Continue Reading

Dear Library Directors,   The New Jersey State Library has developed a survey in an attempt to capture data and a full picture of how New Jersey libraries are operating during the global COVID-19 pandemic.   Please complete this webform with the most up-to-date information you have at this point.  You are also encouraged to provide updates using this form should any changes happen in the days and weeks ahead.   https://www.njstatelib.org/library-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19/   If you have an ...Continue Reading