LibraryLinkNJ News
July 2024
LibraryLinkNJ The New Jersey Library Cooperative
For more details about any of our projects, programs, or services please visit the LibraryLinkNJ website!
For questions, suggestions, or help with your account, please reach out to our CE Team: ce@librarylinknj.org
Executive Director Update
Thank you to everyone who attended our Spring Membership Meeting on June 20 at Middlesex County College. It was nice to see you in-person! In addition to approving our FY2025 Budget, the membership voted to approve the FY2025 Executive Board Slate, which includes the following new and returning Executive Board members:
Amy Behr-Shields (Summit Free Public Library), Member-at-Large
Helen-Ann Brown Epstein (Virtua Health Sciences Library), Special Library Representative
Carina Gonzalez (Governor Livingston HS Instructional Media Center), School Library Representative
Luca Manna (PALS Plus), Member-at-Large
Joan M. Serpico (Moorestown Library), Member-at-Large
We are looking forward to working with our FY2025 Executive Board in the year ahead, and extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Executive Board members who left the board at the end of June:
Phillip Berg, Executive Director, Main Library Alliance
Janina Kaldan, Library Manager, Shinn-Lathrope Health Sciences Library
Bonnie Lafazan, Assistant Director, Springfield Free Public Library
Laurie Matassa, Media Specialist, Jackson Liberty High School
See below for more about the Membership Meeting along with some photos.
Believe it or not, July 1 marked the beginning of year three of our current Strategic Plan. Throughout the past two years, our team has been hard at work on activities related to the goals and objectives in our plan. To see where we stand with progress on these activities, we encourage you to review the updated Activity Plan Status Report that is now available on our website.
Also featured below is an update about the New Jersey Libraries Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative. I encourage you to take some time to view the video update created by our EDI expert consultant Ozy Aloziem about the Strategic Roadmap for the “EDI Framework for NJ Libraries.” We are looking forward to an exciting year as we work together to advance the work of this important project.
We want to say thank you and congratulations to our partners and friends around the state who successfully advocated for the restoration of Library Network Funding and for the Freedom to Read Bill. Your hard work will impact the entire NJ library ecosystem!
And finally, a thank you to the LibraryLinkNJ staff, the Executive Board, and the leaders of our partner organizations for your support during the past year. I am looking forward to another great year of growth and collaboration.
Best,
Ralph
LibraryLinkNJ Executive Board Meeting
LibraryLinkNJ's Executive Board will hold their Reorganization Meeting for FY25 on Thursday, July 18th; a full list of meeting dates and location for FY25 will be available on our website following the Reorganization Meeting.
All LibraryLinkNJ members are welcome to attend Executive Board meetings. Find more information on the Executive Board page on our website!
Announcements
LibraryLinkNJ is pleased to announce our 4th annual one-day virtual conference! This year's conference theme is inclusion!
What do you have to share about inclusion? Whether it's a presentation of your academic research into inclusion in the library world, or an opportunity to share real-life tips for bringing intentional inclusion into your programs, collections, teaching practices and more - there just may be a spot for you as a presenter at our fall virtual conference! We're seeking presentations on all types of inclusion from all types of organizations. Fill out and submit the call for proposals form no later than Friday, July 19th to be considered!
Use the form linked here to submit your Conference Proposal:
https://forms.gle/QmXf48M6Lpud92AL9
Or visit the Conference Webpage for more details: LLNJ Fall 2024 Conference on Inclusion
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming debut of "What Will I Find? Introducing and Modeling Online Search." This eagerly anticipated module is the final part in our series on information literacy with media literacy scholar David Cooper Moore. It aims to equip librarians and educators with the tools necessary to safeguard learners from misinformation while fostering an environment of healthy skepticism.
Participants will gain insights into:
Slowing Down the Search Process: Techniques to help learners critically assess the information they encounter online.
Exploring Beyond Google: Alternative search prompts and tools that offer diverse and credible sources of information.
Modeling the Search Process: Demonstrative methods for educators to teach effective online searching skills.
In an era where misinformation is rampant, equipping learners with robust search skills is crucial. This module not only aims to foster critical thinking but also empowers learners to become discerning consumers of information.
Catch up on parts 1 and 2 now in the LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace, and keep an eye out for the release of part 3 very soon!
Part 1 - Who Knows: Reframing Information Literacy for a Wider Audience
Part 2 - What Do I Know: Building Background Knowledge and Developing a Research Framework
Thoughts or suggestions about the LearningSpace? Please share with our Online Learning & Digital Content Specialist, Jon Braun, at jon@librarylinknj.org.
Snapshots
Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 20th at Middlesex College for our Spring Membership Meeting! Our first in-person Membership Meeting since 2019 featured a keynote presentation on the Transformative Power of Books by author Eric Smith - including a raffle of 3 of Eric's books, won by Karen O'Malley of Trenton Public Library (pictured center above) - presentations from LLNJ staff and updates from the NJ State Library, and a LibraryLinkNJ business meeting.
We appreciate those who took the time to come out and hear about the year's accomplishments, take a look at our upcoming plans, and vote on the important matters that keep the Cooperative running! We're looking forward to seeing everyone, and additional members, next year!
Professional Development Opportunities
Skill-Sharing Conversations
Share your knowledge and learn from your colleagues in these attendee-driven conversations focused on specific library skills. Come ready to share experiences and ask questions!
- Creating Inclusive Volunteer Opportunities; Online Discussion; Tuesday, August 6th, 11am-12pm; Moderated by Jungwon Devone, Somerset County Library System.
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LibraryLinkNJ is proud to partner with Hackensack Meridian Hospital System to offer both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid training to our members. Mental health can touch nearly any aspect of library service, and we invite staff in any position to register for this valuable training course. *Capacity for each training is limited to 30 participants!*
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Virtual, Friday, July 19th, 9AM-1:30PM. Registration closes Wednesday, July 10th at 5pm
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Funding to Preservation: a Digital Content Life Cycle Webinar Series
Spend Tuesdays this summer learning about: grant opportunities to fund digitization, workflows for processing born-digital materials, digitization best practices, digital preservation basics, and the importance of metadata in digital content. Sign up for one, a few, or all six webinars in the series!
*This program is brought to you by CARLI and FLVC via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Constoria.*
Newspaper Digitization and Preservation at Illinois; Virtual; Tuesday, July 16th, 2pm-3pm.
Digital POWRR: Digital Preservation 101; Virtual; Tuesday, July 23rd, 11am-12:30pm.
Metadata in Digital Content: A Look at Shareable Metadata in Aggregation Services; Virtual; Tuesday, July 30th, 2pm-3pm.
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Summer Book Bash 2024
Join us this July and August for our Summer Book Bash events, a series of virtual author visits and online publisher previews designed to provide a bit of summer fun for library staff! Attendees at all events will have the opportunity to win bookish prizes, so don't miss out!
- Book Buzz with Astra Books for Young Readers, Chronicle Books, and Levine Querido; Virtual; Wednesday, July 24th, 2pm-3:15pm.
- Picture Book Party with Kyle Lukoff, Breanna Carzoo, and Debbi Michiko Florence; Virtual; Wednesday, July 31st, 3pm-4pm.
- Sunny Stories with Ben Clanton, Andy Chou Musser, and Jennifer Holm; Virtual; Wednesday, August 7th, 3pm-4pm.
- Can't Miss Comics with Huda Fahmy, Pedro Martin, and Kirk Reedstrom; Virtual; Wednesday, August 14th, 3pm-4pm.
- Book Buzz with W.W. Norton, Abrams Books, and Hachette Book Group; Virtual; Wednesday, August 21st, 2pm-3:15pm.
- Book Buzz with HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Lee & Low Books; Virtual; Wednesday, August 28th, 2pm-3:15pm.
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MentorNJ Online Meetups
Join your colleagues for one or more of our MentorNJ Online Meetups! Meetups are online discussions where library staff from around the state gather to share successes, ask questions, seek advice, or simply take some time to network with peers.
July Meetup Dates:
- Disabled & Neurodivergent Library Staff: Tuesday, July 2nd @ 2pm
- Latino Library Staff Meetup: Tuesday, July 9th @ 10am
- Leading Lean Libraries: Tuesday, July 9th @ 2:30pm
- Tech: Thursday, July 18th @ 3pm
- African American Library Staff: Wednesday, July 24th @ 2pm
- Adventures in Administration: Thursday, July 25th @ 10:30am
August Meetup Dates:
- Maker Meetup: Thursday, August 1st @ 3pm
- Disabled & Neurodivergent Library Staff: Tuesday, August 6th @ 2pm
- School Libraries: Wednesday, August 21st @ 3:30pm
- Adventures in Administration: Thursday, August 22nd @ 10:30am
- African American Library Staff: Wednesday, August 28th @ 2pm
No registration is required; Zoom links are shared via LLNJ's mass email system each Monday for all of that week's Online Meetups. For more information, visit the LLNJ Events Calendar.
Recaps, Resources, and Reminders
In June, libraries across the state celebrated the Juneteenth holiday with programs, displays, outreach events, and more! Two of our member institutions shared the details of their Juneteenth celebrations with us. Read on to see how they honored the holiday, and take inspiration for your own library's future Juneteenth activities!
New Brunswick Free Public Library
At the New Brunswick Free Public Library, Juneteenth activities in the children's department centered on both education and celebration. Their children's program featured a read-aloud of the book Juneteenth by Van G. Garret, followed by the opportunity to learn about the meaning of the symbols on the Juneteenth flag. Children were then able to do a hands-on activity crafting their own Juneteenth flags!
For children who found themselves inspired by the event, or who were unable to attend the program, the library also featured a Juneteenth book display in the Children's Room, pictured above, featuring picture books and nonfiction texts about Juneteenth from an array of authors.
Roxbury Public Library
At Roxbury Public Library, celebration and education also went hand-in-hand. On June 8th, the library partnered with Common Grounds NJ and the Roxbury School District to host an all-ages event featuring culturally-focused crafts and activities, as well performances from "an acclaimed combo from the celebrated JAZZ HOUSE KiDS as well as Unity Steppers Dance and Drill Team, and an interactive drum circle led by Life Center Stage."
The library hosted a second event on June 19th featuring researcher and history educator Christopher Daley presenting who presented "The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth." The presentation covered the journey to Juneteenth, beginning with the progression of the abolitionist movement, moving on to the Emancipation Proclamation and the gradual emancipation process that ultimately led to the order given in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Mr. Daley also explored how Juneteenth went from a local celebration in Galveston to the national holiday we know and celebrate today.
Thank you to the New Brunswick Free Public Library and Roxbury Public Library for taking the time to share with us!
Earlier this year, EDI-NJ, a statewide NJ libraries' EDI group, launched the Strategic Roadmap for the 'EDI Framework for NJ Libraries' project. This initiative aims to provide a roadmap and framework to establish a sustainable environment for the EDI efforts of NJ libraries and library organizations. Our primary objectives include building capacity for EDI by increasing the knowledge and skills of library staff, fostering inclusive environments, strengthening the diverse workforce within libraries, and improving the accessibility and inclusivity of library services.
Meet our EDI Consultant Ozy Aloziem, as she shares what we are currently working on and what you can expect as this project continues through the end of FY2025 in this June 2024 Status Report video.
The EDI-NJ Group meets on the third Wednesday of the month, 3-4 pm via Zoom. The meeting is open to all!
If you are interested in joining the EDI-NJ Group or the Strategic Roadmap Project, please contact us at info@librarylinknj.org
LibraryLinkNJ's third annual Book Bash will begin in just a few weeks. Catch up on the fun all summer long by attending a publisher book buzz or author event, and be entered to win literary prizes from our sponsors.
Looking to add to your library’s collection or simply stock up on your TBR? Join us for a book buzz with Astra Books for Young Readers, Chronicle, and Levine Querido on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 2pm EST. Prizes will include a sampling of children’s books from Astra Books and Chronicle as well as literary-related prizes from Out of Print.
Interesting in hearing from some of your favorite children’s authors? Join us for a conversation with picture book authors Kyle Lukoff, Breanna Carzoo, and Debbi Michiko Florence on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 3pm EST.
Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright to See, received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became a Brother also won the Stonewall, and his book Call Me Max has been banned in schools across the country.
A third-generation Japanese American, Debbi Michiko Florence is the acclaimed author of more than 20 books for children and tweens. She loves to write stories about friendship and family. Her middle grade novels include Sweet and Sour and Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai. She is also the author of the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series.
Breanna Carzoo is an author-illustrator who creates illustrations with cut paper collage and mixed media. Her debut picture book LOU was named a Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2022 and was shortlisted for the Barnes and Noble Children’s and YA Book Awards. Her latest picture book, The Squish was released in May 2024.
We would like to thank our 2024 sponsors: Astra House Books for Young Readers, W.W. Norton & Company, Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, Levine Querido, Abrams Books, HarperCollins, Out of Print, Lee & Low, Macmillan, Chronicle
For the past several months, a small group of representatives from the New Jersey State Library, LibraryLinkNJ, NJASL, the New Jersey Department of Education, and select New Jersey public school educators have been hard at work initiating the “Information Literacy Reimagined” project - an IMLS-funded initiative designed to prepare the Garden State for the forthcoming Information Literacy Student Learning Standards.
This working group, with input from a National Advisory Board, seeks to find ways to help all relevant parties - including parents, school administrators, classroom educators, and librarians of all types - understand the critical importance of information literacy as a life skill, define their role in helping students achieve information literacy, and prepare to support the forthcoming Standards and the certified School Library Media Specialists who will take the lead in implementing them in New Jersey’s K-12 public schools.
Members of the Working Group are slated to serve on some of the NJ DOE’s Information Literacy Standards Writing Committees - including Standards Writing, Expert Review, Implementation Support, and College and Career Readiness - which will convene over the course of Summer 2024. The group has additional long-term goals that include crafting relevant professional development and training opportunities, communicating the progress of Standards creation, and drafting documents that will help guide implementation, progress has already been made in the following areas:
Project Members at the NJDOE have added valuable resources on Information Literacy to their STAMP Platform. You can find them at the following link, with specific Information Literacy resources available under many of the content area drop-down menus: https://www.nj.gov/education/standards/stamp/
A one-page guide for public libraries seeking ways to support information literacy work was published in June and distributed at the recent NJLA Annual Conference. Missed it? Grab the PDF here: How Your Public Library Can Support Information Literacy Acquisition
The team is also hard at work preparing for a busy fall:
- Select members of the Working Group will present at the Fall 2024 NJ Principals and Supervisors Association Conference on the topic “Getting Your School Ready for the Upcoming Information Literacy Standards.”
- Group member Sharon Rawlins from the New Jersey State Library, along with additional State Library staff member Michael Maziekien, will touch upon the project at the 2024 New Jersey Education Association Convention with the presentation “Information Literacy Resources from the New Jersey State Library.”
- Those who wish to learn more will also find the project represented in the exhibit hall at both of the above events!
Additional future plans include a dedicated landing page where you’ll find valuable resources crafted by the project, along with information from partners and peer groups - like NJASL’s Model Information Literacy Curriculum, LibraryLinkNJ’s On-Demand Information Literacy Series of PD modules, and recaps and resources from a wide variety of conference presentations and informational sessions.
The working group will continue to share updates as progress is made! In the meantime, questions can be directed to Sharon Rawlins of the New Jersey State Library: srawlins@njstatelib.org
News and Partner Updates
The Unsung Libraries Initiative is now accepting submissions! If you or someone you know is too swamped to get the word out about the amazing work you/they do, this is for you!
We’ve put together a very short and simple application, in which libraries that haven’t recently won any awards or gotten any media attention can say in just a few words how their work matches this year's NJLA themes of Simple Kindness and/or Breaking Barriers.
Twelve libraries will be selected for a visit by NJLA President Jeff Cupo, one per month, to meet with staff and see them in action. They will get a shout-out in the NJLA newsletter and a staff person at one of the twelve will be awarded this year's NJLA President's Award.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to incoming NJLA President, Jeff Cupo with any questions: jcupo@elizpl.org
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We Want to Hear From You!
Please email suggestionbox@librarylinknj.org with feedback about our services and programs. Suggestions for new services and programs are welcome, too.
About LibraryLinkNJ
LibraryLinkNJ: Every New Jersey Library - Connected and Thriving
LibraryLinkNJ (formerly known as INFOLINK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Its members are multi-type libraries and library-related agencies located in the twenty-one counties of New Jersey. This area includes 8.79 million people. The population of the state is highly diverse and includes some of the largest communities of Spanish speaking and Asian Indian persons in the U.S.
LibraryLinkNJ – The New Jersey Library Cooperative has over 1100 voting representatives from over 2,500 public and private school, public, academic, institutional, corporate, health sciences and special libraries and library-related agencies. A member-elected Executive Board meets regularly to oversee the programs and services of the organization.
LibraryLinkNJ and its services are funded by the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network. Members join at no charge and pay no dues.
Email: info@librarylinknj.org
Website: www.librarylinknj.org
Location: 2300 Stuyvesant Avenue, Ewing Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-752-7720
Facebook: facebook.com/librarylinknj
Instagram: @librarylinknj