New Jersey State Library
The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), has been in operation since 1796.[1] Located at the Capitol Complex in Trenton, New Jersey, the State Library is New Jersey’s leader of library service and innovation. The State Library strives to connect people to information and resources through its service to state government; public, academic, and special libraries; TESU staff and students; and New Jersey residents. The State Library collaborates with public libraries statewide to provide important services, such as: digital literacy, business outreach, workforce development, summer reading programs, and more for the visually and physically impaired and for learners of all ages.
History
The New Jersey State Library dates its inception back to 1796 when, for the first time, the New Jersey Legislature assigned responsibility for its collection of books to an individual, the Clerk of the House. However, the origin of the State Library dates back to as early as 1704. The State Library began as a collection of books maintained by the New Jersey Assembly when New Jersey was an English colony. Over time, this collection of books grew until it became a reference collection used by members of both houses of the legislature. Eventually, New Jersey became a state, and the collection came to be called the State’s library. Many of the publications acquired by the legislature during the eighteenth century are still in the New Jersey State Library’s collection today.[2]
Departments & Services[3]
Office of the State Librarian
The State Librarian serves as representative to the governor’s office, the legislature, state agencies, and statewide organizations. The State Librarian promotes exemplary service in accordance with New Jersey Library Law; supports professional development through LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey Library Cooperative; and leads the Information Technology Office, the Business Office, and the Office of Communications, Marketing & Outreach. The State Librarian is also responsible for statewide library development through the following business units: Lifelong Learning, Library Support Services, and Innovation & Strategic Partnerships.
State Library Information Center
The State Library Information Center provides resources and services for all employees in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of state government; staff and students of Thomas Edison State University; and through the Library Network, state residents. The Research Library offers special collections, electronic resources, library services, and skilled librarians to help patrons find the information they seek.
New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center
Founded in 1967, the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) provides no-cost, home-delivered services on behalf of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled to children, teens, and adults in New Jersey who have difficulty reading standard print or trouble holding a book.
JerseyConnect
Launched in 2006, JerseyConnect provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and services to maintain and improve core technologies and to develop new services for libraries throughout the state. JerseyConnect features a high-speed backbone and fault-tolerant internal connections, providing fast and reliable access to New Jersey libraries and the public through a set of distributed PoPs and Internet uplinks. The JerseyConnect infrastructure and service model is designed for maximum flexibility, scalability and redundancy. Through JerseyConnect, public libraries in New Jersey are well-positioned to take advantage of new and emerging technologies while enjoying reliable core internet connectivity and related services.
Life Long Learning
The Lifelong Learning unit provides consultant services and technical assistance to create and improve library information and literacy services in New Jersey. The unit administers state and federal grant funds to public libraries, coordinates resource sharing through the New Jersey Library Network, provides statewide access to a selection of databases, and sponsors continuing education opportunities. The Lifelong Learning Unit focuses on the following support initiatives: business and technology services, disaster preparedness and recovery, diversity and literacy, preservation, librarian training, and youth services.
Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
The Innovation & Strategic Partnerships unit focuses on library innovation and future trends, and seeks out exemplary models and technologies that can help assist the New Jersey library community in remaining relevant and essential community anchors. The unit works to build strong partnerships with fellow government agencies and local organizations to develop statewide programs that support key areas of continuing need, including high school completion, digital literacy and workforce development. Key focus areas include: monitoring trends, issues, emergent technologies, and models of service; piloting full-scale projects; launching special initiatives; developing strategic partnerships; offering programs for librarian leadership skills; and maintaining positive relationships with local, state, and federal legislators to gain support for libraries and their funding strategic partnerships.
Library Support Services
The Library Support Services unit provides advisory and technical information and services, including: law, statistics, grants, advisory services, basic training for trustees and directors, interlibrary loan, databases, Per Capita State Aid, and administration of regulations to support New Jersey’s libraries in the fulfillment of their missions.
Communication, Marketing & Outreach
The Office of Communication, Marketing & Outreach is committed to educating the public about the value of libraries through public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and media relations. New Jersey’s public libraries are encouraged to use statewide campaigns and publicity guidelines established by the State Library to educate their communities about library resources and the opportunities they create.
Also See
References
Official Website
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