Resources for Disinfecting and Quarantining Potentially Contaminated Library Materials NOTE: ALA is currently recommending that all libraries close to the public: http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/03/ala-executive-board-recommends-closing-libraries-public 1. Preliminary research suggests that the COVID-19 virus can only survive on surfaces for 2-3 days, and on paper/cardboard for 24 hours. So, closing the libraries, and allowing collections to remain untouched in quarantine should be an effective metho ...Continue Reading

Due to the unprecedented interruption in operations caused by the coronavirus outbreak, and specifically for the benefit of the applicants who are working to develop and submit quality applications— while continuing to serve their communities— the New Jersey State Library, in consultation with the Governor’s Office, has made the decision to extend the deadline for submission of the first round of Library Construction Bond Act applications by 60 days to June 5, 2020.  As a result, it will not be possible, as origina ...Continue Reading

Please visit https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/State-Librarians-Letter-to-NJ-library-colleagues-COVID-19.pdf for the State Librarian's message regarding COVID-19 ...Continue Reading

Libraries throughout the state are being affected by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.  Many libraries are already closed, and it’s almost certain that more libraries will follow in the days to come.  First and foremost, the health and safety of your staff and patrons should be your primary concern.  Your library should be in close contact with your municipal and health department officials to determine whether or not your library should close.  If your library is closed, alert your patrons ...Continue Reading

The Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA) team has heard from a number of library administrators regarding the possibility of COVID-19 related issues impacting their ability to meet the current grant application deadline.  Although there are no current plans to adjust the deadline, we are all closely monitoring the situation and will certainly notify the New Jersey public library community should the circumstances require a change in schedule. Please continue to check the https://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_li ...Continue Reading

Dear Census Partner, The 2020 Census is now available online at *2020census.gov*! As your Partnership Specialist contact, I wanted to thank you for your partnership in encouraging your constituents to complete the questionnaire. The most accurate response is a self response and an early response helps to ensure that no one will come knocking on your community members' doors starting in mid May. With respect to COVID-19, Census 2020 is moving ahead according to plan. The Census Bureau will follow the guidance of ...Continue Reading

Applications for the Library Construction Bond Act became available on March 9, 2020 at 9 AM EDT, and will be open through April 6, 2020 at 4 pm EDT. To access the application, go to https://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/new-jersey-library-construction-bond-act/ Instructions for registering for an account, filling out your application, attaching required documents and submitting your application can be found at the top of this page. Kathleen Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer, MSLS Deputy State Librarian for L ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, We have received requests for guidance regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how libraries should prepare and respond.  The New Jersey State Library's State Library Information Center has put together the following LibGuide with all of the most current information regarding the spread of this disease and its impact.   https://libguides.njstatelib.org/covid2019 The information contained in the LibGuide should be enough for your Board of Trustees to craft a policy reponse to the di ...Continue Reading

Dear Library Directors, Please be aware of the following information regarding the NJ Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). This information should be considered when drafting policies for determining residency in library card applications and training staff members who handle documents for residency verification purposes.   The ACP, which began in 1998 and was expanded in 2019, is designed to assist individuals who, as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking have had to relocate for ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, This is a friendly reminder that there is now only one week left to submit your annual survey and accuracy certification, the deadline for both of which is March 15th. Here are some helpful tips as the survey deadline draws near: 1. All of the forms for the survey (i.e. Accuracy Certification, Application for State Aid, etc.) can be found on our website at http://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/resources/per_capita_state_aid/ under the heading Data Year 2019. These forms can also be found ...Continue Reading