Dear Colleagues, As we begin a new year, please remember that the staff members of NJSL are here to serve you. To find a list of contacts by subject, go to http://www.njstatelib.org/about/staff_contacts/service_contacts/. Following is some information that I hope you find useful. Some only applies to certain types of libraries, but may be considered a “best practice” for all types. Best wishes, Victoria * * *_Trustee Oath and Term (municipal, county and joint libraries)_* For many of you, January is the ...Continue Reading

*_E-Rate: Phone and Other Changes_*__ The Federal Communications Commission is making massive changes to the E-Rate program. As an example, beginning in 2015 E-rate for the following services, which are not directly Wi-Fi or broadband related, will be eliminated: circuit cards/components, interfaces, gateways, servers, storage devices, telephone and video components, voice over IP (VoIP), voicemail, email, and webhosting. In another major program change, discounts for basic phone service will be phased out by 20% eac ...Continue Reading

*_Update: “Local Library Support Fund”_* Sadly we must wait one more year.  I have been informed by Treasury that the checkoff box which permits individuals to make voluntary contributions to public libraries on their tax forms will not be on the tax form for 2014 taxes. It will be on the tax form for 2015 taxes which will be available in January of 2016.   So, we will have to wait until about this time next year to provide you with further information. *_ _* *_Statistics_* The 2013 NJ Public Library Su ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues,   Please take a moment to read through the following message regarding the 2014 Digital Inclusion Survey.  Your participation in this survey is encouraged and appreciated.   We encourage all public libraries to participate in the 2014 Digital Inclusion Survey, which is available through *November 21, 2014*. As community-based digital hubs, public libraries are critical community assets that facilitate the development and sustainability of digitally inclusive communities. The survey gene ...Continue Reading

*_Law Update: _**_“Local Library Support Fund”_* On September 10, 2014 Governor Christie signed P.L. 2014 c.47 which permits individuals to make voluntary contributions to public libraries on their tax forms (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/PL14/47_.PDF). The law states in part (NJSA 54A:9-25.37 (1)b  that “Each taxpayer shall have the opportunity to indicate on the taxpayer's New Jersey gross income tax return that a portion of the taxpayer's gross income tax refund or an enclosed contribution be deposi ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The Data Year 2014 Annual Survey will open on Monday, January 12, 2015.  A reminder email with your library’s usernames and passwords, as well as the URL for the survey, will be sent prior to that date to the person responsible for the survey at your library.  If the person responsible for the survey at your library does not receive a reminder email please email me. The deadline for survey completion by statute is March 1, 2015.  However, the State Librarian has granted everyone a two ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please click on the following link for the 2015 1/3 Mill spreadsheet.   http://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2015_Minimum_Amount_Needed_to_Qualify_for_1_25_Per_Capita_One-Third_Mill.xls Since 2010 equalized valuations have been dropping by an average of about 3% per year.  I am happy to report that this year the equalized valuations have increased slightly (+0.45%) from last year.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Best regards,   Bob Keith Data Co ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, I have been informed by the Department of Treasury that the Per Capita State Aid checks will be mailed out today so you should see them shortly.  The final amounts can be viewed here: http://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FinalCheckAmountFY15.xls  If you do not receive your check by November 1st please email me so I can trace it.   The equalized valuation numbers should be published on the Division of Taxation website either late this week or early next week.  As so ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, On September 10th the Governor signed into law P.L. 2014, c.47 (formerly known as A1314 or S1803).  This law creates the option to make a voluntary contribution for the support of local libraries on gross income tax returns.  The actual text of the law has not been posted to the Legislature’s website, but the preprint version of the law can be found here: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/A1500/1314_R1.HTM.  As more information becomes available we will pass it along.   Best ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues,   I have posted the preliminary Per Capita State Aid check amounts for your review.  They are located at:   http://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Total_payment_vs_Prior_year_-_For_Directors_FY15.xls Please take a moment to look up your library and make sure the Check Amount looks correct.  If you have any questions please let me know.   Best regards,   Bob Keith Data Coordinator New Jersey State Library 185 W State Street Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x1 ...Continue Reading