SJRLC Connections

NJ Libraries Advocacy Update 3/26

THREATS TO NEW JERSEY LIBRARIES

As many of you know, Governor's Christie's budget proposes cuts to the following budget lines: Library Network Aid (eliminated), Per Capita Library Aid (cut in half), Virtual Library (eliminated).  Additionally, the budget proposes moving the State Library under the auspices of Rutgers University, and there is a bill pending (A2555) to eliminate the 1/3 of a mil minimum funding for municipal libraries. For more details on these threats see NJLA's Legislative Alert.

We are working with the library community to develop an advocacy plan to address these threats. As our advocacy efforts develop we will be in touch with CJRLC  members through our listserv, webpage, blog, and all channels at our disposal.

We are asking for the restoration of 10.4 million dollars to local libraries. These funds provide libraries with Internet connections, website and email hosting, interlibrary loan, delivery of library materials, electronic resources, as well a library for the blind and handicapped.

Here are things you can do:

1. See resources collected by NJLA at: http://njla.pbworks.com/Save-New-Jersey-Libraries
    
   
2. Use the talking points from Norma Blake. Also see thee  "Facts for Advocacy"
    
   
3. Encourage your friends, family, and customers who support library service to Become a Library Champion at http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/ so we can continue building our base of support and bring them into the capwiz system.
   
   (direct links to capwiz are: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/ and http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/lmx/u/?jobid=145361623&queueid=4898333736. Note: NJLA prefers you point everyone to: http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/)

   

4. Bookmarks for you to print and distribute! http://njla.pbworks.com/Library-Champions-Bookmarks (thanks to Heidi Cramer for providing)
    
   

5. Bookmarks to put in items sent via the Velocity Delivery Service. 
   | PDF | WORD |
   Let's let people who use delivery know that this service will end without action!

6. Join (and encourage your friends, family, customers and colleagues) the Facebook Group Save NJ Libraries!

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For more detailed news from the NJLA President

and a Sample Resolution for Library Boards and Commissions, CLICK HERE

NJLA Action Alert-- Please share this with library supporters

Please visit the NJLA Capwiz site and send a message to the Governor and your State Senate and Assembly representatives asking them to restore library funding and oppose A2555 (which threatens 1/3 mil minimum funding for municipals.)

1. Capwiz Action Item:  http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/

2. Sign up for Capwiz Legislative Alerts: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/utr/1/IXPMMGCLZR/BYABMGCMAX/4898333736/

We need your voices to be heard in Trenton!  Thank you,

Pat Tumulty
NJLA Executive Director

Webinar: LIBX Browser Tool Bar The Search and Discovery Power Tool

SJRLC, CJRLC, HRLC and Infolink present

Webinar: LIBX Browser Tool Bar
The Search and Discovery Power Tool
April 20, 10-Noon | Cost: $10

| Details and Registration |

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PUT YOUR LIBRARY RESOURCES
ON THE TOOLBAR!

LibX is a free search and discovery add-on for Firefox and Internet Explorer. It's a powerful search bar, but more: it also integrates library resources into your users' web experience by adding intuitive discovery options to sites like Amazon and Wikipedia, and provides an easy way for users to access sites via your proxy server (without having to know what that means). Learn how to set up a custom version of LibX for your library (without having to learn to program).
 

By using free, open source tools, libraries can offer assistance and resources with little cost and foster skills that patrons can use throughout life. Open source plug-ins like LibX offer a way for libraries to extend their services into everyone's favorite research tool: the web browser.

Learn more about LibX in Jason's C&RL News article "Superpower your browser with LibX and Zotero" [http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/2/70.short].

Participants will explore how to:

• identify some of the advantages of using open-source software tools in library research

• install the LibX plugin for Firefox or Internet Explorer

• use the LibX search bar, embedded discovery tools and proxy reload feature

• create a custom version of LibX for their library
   

Intended Audience: Librarians who assist students and other researchers. Librarians interested in providing
new browser-based discovery tools.

About the Presenter:

Jason Puckett is Librarian for Communication and Educational Technologies at Georgia State University Library. He blogs at http://jasonpuckett.net  and is co-producer of the Adventures in Library Instruction podcast (http://adlibinstruction.blogspot.com).

NOTE: This Webinar is being hosted on CJRLC's iLinc Webinar Platform (not on Wimba). Please follow this link for instructions on setting up your PC prior to the webinar.)

Details and Registration

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THREATS TO NEW JERSEY LIBRARIES - UPDATED 3/23

As many of you know, Governor's Christie's budget proposes cuts to the following budget lines: Library Network Aid, Per Capita Library Aid, Virtual Library.  Additionally, the budget proposes moving the State Library under the auspices of Rutgers University, and there is a bill pending (A2555) to eliminate the 1/3 of a mil minimum funding for municipal libraries. For more details on these threats see NJLA's Legislative Alert.

We are working with the library community to develop an advocacy plan to address these threats. As our advocacy efforts develop we will be in touch with SJRLC members through our listserv, webpage, blog, and all channels at our disposal.

UPDATED! For now, here are three things you can do:

1. Point supporters to this Capwiz Link: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/ and ask them to contact their state reps and the Governor to fight for funding.  Capwiz makes it EASY!!  Also, you can sign up for legislative alerts (and encourage other to do so too) here:
   http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/lmx/u/?jobid=145361623&queueid=4898333736
    
2. Encourage your friends, family, and customers who support library service to http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/ so we can continue building our base of support.
    
3. Bookmarks! http://njla.pbworks.com/Library-Champions-Bookmarks and www.bccls.org/buckles/advocacy (tthanks to Heidi Cramer for providing)

Federal Funds for Rural Public Libraries

Posted on behalf of NJ State Library:

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US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Howard Henderson has announced that funds may be available for the construction or renovation of a library in rural communities.  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has set a goal providing $100 million of USDA’s Community Facilities American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding including grants for public libraries. 

 

This program can help New Jersey create and save jobs in construction and library service fields.  “By improving rural library facilities we will only enhance educational opportunities and improve economic conditions in America’s rural communities for both adults and children,” said Henderson.  A new or renovated library facility in a rural community can even be a catalyst for renewing that community’s downtown area.

 

Norma E. Blake, New Jersey State Librarian, and Patricia A. Tumulty, Executive Director of the New Jersey Library Association, will be assisting the Rural Development Office in identifying communities which fit the guidelines of the program.

 

"The State Library is most appreciative of both Secretary Vilsack's and State Director Henderson's support for public library service in rural communities," said Blake. "My staff and I look forward to supporting the Rural Development Office in any way possible." 

 

"This is a tremendous opportunity for libraries serving our rural communities," added Tumulty.  "Funding to renovate or construct new facilities is needed by many communities to meet the growing demands for increased access to library services."

 

Municipalities, counties and special-purpose districts as well as non-profit corporations are encouraged to apply for these special ARRA funds as soon as possible.  Funds will remain through September 30, 2010, or until all dollars have been awarded.  For information call Rural Development Business & Community Director Kenneth Drewes at (856) 787-7753 or visit their website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nj.   

Help US Collect NJ Library Stories

Help us as we build our case about the value of libraries!

We need stories from your patrons about how they use libraries and how much they mean to them. Particularly we are looking for stories that document in human terms how patrons are using the library to search for jobs, interact with government and/or support small businesses. Please encourage patrons to tell their stories NOW at Solving Life's Problems

Thank you!

Save New Jersey Libraries

As NJLA prepares its response to the drastic cuts to statewide library programs proposed by Gov. Christie, and a renewed attack on the minimum library funding represented by A2555, please take a moment to join one or both of the following initiatives:

1.  Save NJ Libraries Facebook Group

2.  NJ Library Champions http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/

Please reach out to Friends, Boards and patrons to become part of these initiatives so that we can get the word out as quickly as possible in the coming days.

CONGRATS TO MOVER SHAKERS: ANDY WOODWORTH AND PEGGY CADIGAN!

CONGRATS TO MOVER SHAKERS: ANDY WOODWORTH AND PEGGY CADIGAN!

A hearty congratulations to Andy Woodworth (Burlington County Library) and Peggy Cadigan (NJ State Library) on their recognitions as Library Journal Mover/Shakers for 2010!  

• Direct link to: Andy's Profile  (and check out his great blog, Agnostic, Maybe)
• Direct link to: Peggy's Profile

And congrats to all the worthy Mover/Shakers who were recognized this year.  Read everyone's profiles online at: http://stage.libraryjournal.com/MS2010.

N.J. budget hearings set for Camden Co.

N.J. budget hearings set for Camden Co.

Two legislative panels will hold public hearings in South Jersey on the proposed state budget.

The Assembly Budget Committee will meet March 24 at 9:30 a.m. in The Ballroom at Collingswood, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations will hold a hearing March 25 at 9 a.m. at the Rutgers-Camden School of Law, 217 N. 5th St., Camden.

People wishing to testify can register at www.njleg.state.nj.us.

via N.J. budget hearings set for Camden Co. | courierpostonline.com | Courier-Post.

Free Homework Help Program Grows to 109 Communities

News from the State Library.  A wonderful

supplement to QandANJ.org's 24/7 service!

 

March 12, 2010, Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey State Library, in partnership with PSEG Foundation and Praxair Foundation, announced that free homework help would now be available to the students, residents and users of 109 public libraries through the popular Live Homework Help NJ program. Students in grades kindergarten to 12, and in introductory college courses, will be able to get free help with their math, science, social studies and English assignments via the Internet. This online tutoring program, delivered by Tutor.com, allows students with library cards to chat online with tutors who can help them tackle their homework problems. Spanish-speaking tutors are available for help with math and science assignments.

           

Live Homework Help NJ had been available through 24 NJ libraries in Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Newark, New Brunswick, Paterson, Willingboro, Elmer, Penns Grove, Pennsville, Salem, Woodstown, the Gloucester County library, Deptford, Franklin Township, Monroe Township, Paulsboro, Pitman, Washington Township, Wenonah, West Deptford, Westville, Woodbury, Gloucester City. The 2010 expansion to include all the public libraries in Burlington, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties was made possible by a $250,000 grant from PSEG Foundation. Additional grant funding from Praxair Foundation brings the program to the communities of Belvidere, Bridgeton, Princeton and Woodbridge.

           

Live Homework Help NJ is designed to provide the highest quality of one-on-one instruction. Tutors are available online and on demand, 7 days a week from 2 to 10 p.m. Whether students need just a few minutes of help or a significant amount of time to better understand a complex concept, certified Tutor.com tutors work with students to help them build their confidence and do well in school.

           

A new service called Adult Career Center will also be available, which will provide adult customers with tutors to help them study for standardized tests, such as the GED; review and proof-read resumes and cover letters; and have access to a resource center containing test preparation materials, job search tips and ways to help their children with homework. The Resource Center materials are available 24/7.

           

The State Library established Live Homework Help NJ in select libraries under a Cornerstone Grant of $265,000 from PSEG Foundation in 2007. It was also made available to all students enrolled in NJ After 3 after school programs. Over 90 percent of those who used the service said that it had helped them complete homework assignments, improved their grades and made them more confident about their school work.

           

“The New Jersey State Library, through the NJ Library Network, has long been committed to the education of young people and adults through a variety of programs we have funded and encouraged local public libraries to offer,” said Norma Blake, New Jersey State Librarian. “The extra assistance available to students from live Homework Help tutors has the potential to instill a sense of success and accomplishment that will carry forward into the school day.”

           

Students who live in one of the 109 designated municipalities can connect to a Live Homework Help NJ tutor through their local libraries, or from their home PC or Mac with their library card number.  The program Web site is www.homeworkhelpnj.org.    In addition, students enrolled in NJ After 3 can access Live Homework Help NJ at local program sites.  NJ After 3 nonprofit partner sites include Boys & Girls Clubs, faith-based groups, museums, universities, community development corporations, YW/YMCAs, and others.

           

Tutor.com has been delivering its Live Homework Help® service to students in the U.S. through libraries since 2001. More than 5 million homework help sessions have been delivered to date--with an average of 5,000 sessions each evening.