Dear Colleagues,   We encourage all public libraries to participate in the new /Digital Inclusion Survey/, which is available through November 15, 2013. The survey will generate unique and valuable data in the areas of digital literacy, economic and workforce development, civic engagement, and public access to the internet. You can access the survey by going to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu. The /Digital Inclusion Survey/ is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and conducted by the Amer ...Continue Reading

Hi, all.   Following is a compilation of information from various sources regarding the Affordable Care Act. Some of the information applies only to larger libraries, and some applies to all libraries (including association libraries). Please note that this is only offered as a starting point and for informational purposes only. You will want to consult with the appropriate professionals for definitive advice.   _ACA notice to employees of coverage options _ _ _ This notice is required for employers (in ...Continue Reading

SAVE THE DATES! New Jersey State Library New Directors Orientation The annual New Directors’ Orientation Workshops will be held Wednesday, February 19 and February 26, 2014, at the New Jersey State Library. This two-day workshop will feature essential information for new library directors in New Jersey and will concentrate on the following areas:             [*] Library Finance and Per Capita State Aid [*] Budgeting and Finance [*] Library Law, Policy and Procedures [*] ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues,   The 2013 Equalized Valuation figures have been received from the Division of Taxation and are now posted, along with the 2014 1/3 Mill amounts, on the State Library website at:   http://lss.njstatelib.org/lss_files/2014_Minimum_Amount_Needed_to_Qualify_for_$1_25_Per_Capita_(One-Third_Mill).xls   If that link does not work please visit http://lss.njstatelib.org/per_capita_state_aid and download the spreadsheet under the Data Year 2014 heading.  If you have any questions please le ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, I have been in contact with the Division of Taxation regarding the 2013 Equalized Valuation figures for which we are all patiently waiting.  They have told me that they will be posted either by the end of the day today or tomorrow.  As soon as they are made available to me I will post them to this listserv.  Please let me know if you have any questions.   Best regards,   Bob Keith Data Coordinator New Jersey State Library 185 W State Street Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x1 ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, I have just been notified that the Per Capita State Aid Checks have been put into production and should be mailed out to you in the next day or so.  If you do not receive a check by November 1st please email me so that I may trace it.  Please let me know if you have any questions.   Best regards,   Bob Keith Data Coordinator New Jersey State Library 185 W State Street Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-2652 rkeith@PROTECTED ------------------------------------------- ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues,   The New Jersey Office of Information Technology (OIT) has launched a statewide broadband mapping project to find out where to focus efforts to increase broadband access in our state.  To this end they have asked for the assistance of the library community to populate this map with information about what sort of broadband access offering libraries in New Jersey provide to their communities.  If your library is part of JerseyConnect or LMXAC, you are already included in the map.   ...Continue Reading

The New Jersey Center for the Book would like to remind you that there is still time to join in its 2014 initiative to support the yearlong statewide celebration of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the State of New Jersey. The NJCFB grant program offers public libraries the opportunity to apply for $500 grants to allow them to provide free programs to the public celebrating 350 years of the state of NJ. This grant includes hosting an emerging or established New Jersey author/illustrator, or hosting an exhibit ...Continue Reading

Bristol-Myers-Squibb anti-trust settlement reminder to public library directors: The funds from this settlement must be spent by August 30, 2013. The report on the benefit your library has received from the grant is due to the State Library's Business Office, ATTN: Karen VanMorter, by October 31, 2013. Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer MSLS Deputy State Librarian for Lifelong Learning PO Box 520 (185 West State Street) Trenton New Jersey 08625-0520 (609) 278-2640 ext. 152 (609)278-2652 (fax) -------------------------------- ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues,   I have posted the preliminary Per Capita State Aid check amounts for your review.  They are located at: http://lss.njstatelib.org/lss_files/Total_payment_vs_Prior_year_-_For_Directors_FY14.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: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-265 ...Continue Reading