Conference Updates
And the Award Goes to...Apr 1 2017 - 10:32amThe NJLA Annual Conference is an event we always look forward to: a chance to meet our colleagues, do some networking, and learn valuable tricks of the trade. But we also love to celebrate the great work that’s been done over the past year by librarians and library supporters all across New Jersey. That’s why the Honors & Awards Subcommittee is busy preparing for the annual NJLA Awards Reception!
Come for the hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, stay for the suspense: Who are our Rising Stars? Who were our Library Champions in 2016? And whose name will appear on the Librarian of the Year plaque? We’re also proud to be announcing the College & University Awards at the event this year, for the first time. There is so much to celebrate throughout our state!
All questions will be answered on Tuesday, April 25, from 6-8 p.m. in Wildwood 1! Attendance is free and open to everyone, but don’t forget that early bird conference registration ends April 1 and the chance to register online ends on April 10. (Yes, you can still register for Conference on-site.) The Awards Reception will also observe NJLA’s 125th anniversary. NJLA President Chris Carbone and Executive Director Pat Tumulty will offer a toast and some remarks to commemorate this grand occasion. Thanks to NJLA’s 125th Anniversary Committee for their help in putting this year’s event together – you might even find some special treats at your seat!
See you all in Atlantic City! NJLA Honors & Awards Reception Kate Jaggers and the 2016-2017 Conference Committee |
#NJLA17 Programming Spotlight: Young Adult Services SectionMar 29 2017 - 3:56pmFirst, for the unfamiliar, a message from our sponsors (aka, our current YASS President):
The YA Services Section is all about teens and services for teens. While many who attend our meetings are those who work primarily in Teen and Youth Services, we really need to hear the voices of many kinds of librarians, from all kinds of libraries. Why? Because teens, like young children, are not limited to a particular ethnicity, environment, religion or gender orientation but unlike young children; they are searching for things outside of their immediate family unit. Some teens are looking for a safe space, some for a place to hang with friends, some for volunteer opportunites, and some are looking for a place to belong. Teens inevitably become adults, and while many will have fond memories of the libraries from their childhood, it is their memories of their teenaged years that will help them decide whether the library is an essential part of their community, or a relic filled with things they don't need. Young Adult services are always challenging but can be equally rewarding. If you work with, plan events for, or interact with teens; consider becoming a member of the YA Services Section and getting involved.
Our meetings are informative, collaborative and supportive. As members of the YA Section we work on the Garden State Teen Book Award Ballots, plan NJLA conference programs, as well as Toolbox sessions, unconferences and more. We need to hear your voices at our meetings so that all types of libraries and all kinds of teens are represented. Many School and YA Librarians are working on a wide array of job duties, and may not have anyone else to ask for advice. At our meetings we make time to share our knowledge, our triumphs and our failures and learn from each other in an effort to make ALL of our libraries better and build a true community throughout the state.
Saleena Davidson
YA Services Section, President
YA & New Adult Librarian
South Brunswick Public Library
Now, back to our regular programming.
CSS did such a great job that it’s a hard act to follow but YASS has some truly exceptional programming prepared for #NJLA17! Teen librarians obviously know how all the cool kids talk now, and came prepared with memes. Oh yeah, we are hip. So let’s roll right into it, shall we? YASS is cosponsoring so many great programs with CSS that some of them were already covered by Cassie last week! However YASS isn’t only partnering with our fellow youth service librarians, but also with many other sections for programs such as: Library Workers Today: Strong Staff Equals Strong Service Monday, April 24, 2017 1:00-4:30 PM YASS has two preconferences this year, and how will you choose which one to go to? In this program, the presenters are talking about doing more with less, and what teen librarian doesn’t know how stretched the budget can be when it finally reaches the YA department? Cosponsored by CUS, Diversity and Outreach, PR, and Urban Libraries, come and learn how to give your best at work while also making sure that you’re taking care of yourself and healthy enough to do your best while you’re there. Once preconference is over, YASS has programming on both main days of conference, so make sure you stick around! Not sure what to do about lunch on Tuesday? Only going to the Garden State Teen Book Awards Luncheon on Wednesday and fending for yourself on Tuesday? Grab your brown bag lunch and join CSS and YASS at the CSS & YASS Brown Bag Lunch from 12:30-2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 25th. Network with other YS librarians, and come talk about how to get involved with the section of your choice. Authors and Libraries: A Partnership for Literacy April 25th, 2017 from 4:10 PM-5:00 PM. Our lovely flyer showcases the three authors speaking on this panel including Melanie Conklin, Laura Shovan, and Marina Budhos. How do libraries pair with authors, especially local authors, to promote literacy? Well, these ladies are here to tell you. And for us, meeting an author is like meeting a rock star.
Justina Ireland is the author of two YA books, and we are beyond excited to have her as our guest for this year’s GSTBA! So go buy your luncheon ticket! You didn’t forget, did you? After a nice lunch, why not try the Escape Room Challenge on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 3:40-4:30 PM as a last note to end conference? Escape rooms are still highly popular, so how exactly does one build an escape room? Inspired by Chris Grabenstein’s books, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (with a Skype appearance from the author!), librarians will explain how to build a fun escape room for all ages! There are so many fantastic programs at conference that it’s hard to narrow down to just a few. Check out the full schedule for everything that’s on offer because YASS has such an amazing selection. See you at Conference! Stacey Shapiro and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
#NJLA17 Programming Spotlight: Professional Development Committee and Leadership & Education SubcommitteeMar 27 2017 - 12:14pmWhy do you attend Conference? To network? To scope out new vendors? To buffet binge?
Even if you answered “yes” to all three of those reasons, undoubtedly you are also attending for professional development! The Professional Development Committee and Leadership and Education Subcommittee (got all that?) have prepared amazing programs to make sure you leave Conference feeling energized, inspired, and ready to be the best librarian you can be. The Professional Development Committee is #blessed to have two committed and effective co-chairs this year, Theresa Agostinelli and Alyssa Valenti. They both look forward to NJLA and all the sessions PD is sponsoring and co-sponsoring. For Alyssa, “Focusing on professional development is such an important aspect of librarianship. Having the opportunity to attend so many diverse programs is why I continue to attend the NJLA conference every year. I am especially looking forward to attending the session, There’s an Imposter in the Library… and it’s Me! (Wednesday at 9 AM). I think many people at various stages of their careers suffer from feeling like imposters even if this certainly isn’t the case! I think the session will help me step out of my own box and give me a new perspective on being a librarian”. Theresa feels similarly: “Programs at the NJLA Conference and continuing education events offered throughout the year are invaluable to our growth as library employees and to libraries as a whole. It is always worthwhile to hear different perspectives and learn new ways of doing things. Connecting with colleagues that are working towards the same goals, regardless of job titles and library types, is invigorating. One program that I am looking forward to at this year’s NJLA Conference is, Agree to Disagree without Being Disagreeable (Tuesday at 11:30 AM). Communication plays such an important role in libraries and in our lives. I am anxious to learn from the talented speakers”.
Further reinforcing the theme of self-awareness and personal improvement, the Leadership and Education Subcommittee is sponsoring Introverted Leadership: How Introversion Leads to Success (Tuesday at 9 AM). Publications on leadership have been praising the qualities of the introverted leader. What are those qualities? How do they work? How do those traits lead an organization to success? Join the subcommittee for a panel discussion on Introverted Leadership. James Keehbler, Karen Pifher, Susan Quinn, and Joan Serpico will all describe how their inner introvert has led to success. These three sessions are just the tip of the professional development iceberg. Read on for a list of additional programs designed to help you live up to your full potential. See you in AC! TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Adriana Mamay and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
Let's Get VirtualMar 24 2017 - 11:39amTechnology is amazing. So amazing, that you don't have to be in New Jersey to get the benefits of #njla17! Can't make it to conference this year? Out of state librarian? Home snuggled up in your PJs with your pet? Check out our Virtual Preconference options! Those who register for one or both days of conference will automatically get access to these offerings, but if you are unable to join us in person, you are welcome to register for JUST these additional virtual sessions! What an amazing opportunity to expand your professional development in an affordable and convenient way!
You can also keep up with us virtually at conference at the resources below: Follow us on Twitter at @njla_conf Follow us on Facebook at New Jersey Library Association and 2017 NJLA Conference Follow us on Storify April 24-26 at NJLA Conference Hope to see you all there April 24-26 (whether that be the virtual or the in-person you!) **Online regular attendee registration will be accepted through April 10 (please expect to receive email confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your registration) or you can register on-site. Emily Witkowski and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
What are you waiting for? Early Bird Registration Ends April 1!Mar 23 2017 - 4:04pmSo, I understand you haven’t registered for the NJLA conference yet. What are you waiting for??
We all know that there will be amazing Pre-conferences, Programs, Luncheons, Keynotes and Special Events. There are also… Comfy hotel rooms! And awesome nightlife! Places to curl up and read…
And places to try your luck…
Plus, the gelato is AMAZING!
You'll be like a kid in a candy store! (Or a librarian in a luxury conference center and casino... is there truly a difference?) Don’t miss NJLA 2017 – early bird registration ends April 1!!! Kimberly Paone and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
#NJLA17 Programming Spotlight: Urban Libraries SectionMar 21 2017 - 12:19pm
In 21st century America, we know that the poor and the homeless are always with us. Whether through a housing crisis, mental illness, addiction or job loss, the homeless are always with us. They use our bathrooms. They attend our programs and consume our food offerings. They use our computers and our wi-fi. Once upon a time, these individuals may have been defined as an ‘urban’ issue, but we know that that is no longer true. New Jersey, which is one of the most urbanized states in the country, has homeless populations in every niche and corner of the state. Urban libraries may have been the first to be affected by this issue, but it is an issue that is certainly no longer unique to urban settings. When it comes to many of the social issues of our time, urban libraries are in the forefront. Budget woes? Aging infrastructures? Internet connectivity? Transportation concerns? We were there first, and we know the terrain well. Our issues are your issues. Join the Urban Libraries Section of NJLA to address these issues and many more. Because, wherever you are, whatever library you currently work in, these issues are coming to you, if they’re not with you already. MaryFaith Chmiel, President, Urban Libraries Section
The Urban Libraries Section, in partnership with the Diversity & Outreach Section, will be sponsoring a Dress for Success Donation Drive during the NJLA conference. They will be accepting donations of gently used professional clothing: suits, dresses, ties, shoes to help the young people mentored by Covenant House Atlantic City. Do you have some work-appropriate outfits that no longer fit? Dry clean and donate! There will be a table in the pre-function area collecting your donations from 9am on Tuesday to 5pm on Wednesday. Let’s give back to the community and help these young people find success in the business world! Urban Libraries is co-sponsoring two fantastic pre-conferences this year: Libraries without Limits: Serving Developmentally Challenged Patrons of All Ages and Library Workers Today: Strong Staff Equals Strong Service. Both will take place on Monday, 4/24, from 1-4:30pm. And, they are co-sponsoring six not-to-be-missed programs! On Tuesday, April 25: WiFi Hotspot Lending: Building Digitally Inclusive Communities (11:30am-12:20pm; Wildwood 20&21) Since the 1990s, libraries have provided free in-house internet connections and computer access to their communities. After closing time, many of their patrons that lack internet access at home remain in the vicinity of the library trying to access their public WiFi connections. Come hear how organizations such as Jersey On and Mobile Beacon are making it increasingly easier for libraries to build digitally inclusive communities through WiFi hotspot lending.
Correlating with national trends, NJ communities are continuing to see increased diversification linguistically, ethnically and culturally. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to find local demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, including new immigrant populations, learn about tools that allow users to map the Census demographic information in order to visualize and target hyper-local communities and understand how to apply the local demographic data to library services and practices.
How do you make materials accessible to those community members who are unable to get to the library? Sure, there are digital resources, but come and find out the methods different libraries use to delivery materials, including how to get started, issues to consider and best practices.
On Wednesday, April 26:
This session will go in depth to give us an understanding of undocumented students and young adults, along with the barriers, pathways and support available for them to obtain a college degree and beyond. We'll cover the DREAM Act, DACA, scholarships, demographics and best practices for librarians to help patrons who may be facing these issues.
Discussing the cultural importance of barbershops within the Black and Latino communities, along with the creation and implementation of the Barbershop Literacy Initiative, which the NJ State Library has expressed interest in taking statewide.
This program will focus on how to get to know your building and keep it maintained, as well as understanding the infrastructure that makes your building work so you can communicate with outside maintenance and repair contractors as well as your public works department.
Don’t miss out - register for NJLA today! Early bird registration ends on March 25th!
Kimberly Paone and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
Need More Reasons to Register for #njla17?Mar 20 2017 - 7:19pmWe are starting to see some stellar promotion for #njla17 conference programs, just in time for the final week of early bird registration rates! See some of what we have seen come across our (virtual) desks and keep sending them our way!
Hope our sections and committees are getting some ideas for promotions, and everyone else is getting some ideas about registering! Emily Witkowski and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
Go Beyond with Conference ScholarsMar 17 2017 - 3:21pm
As spring break comes to an end for many universities, we thought we would get our Academic Librarians excited about the names and faces they can expect to see at #njla17.
The NJLA Conference, among other things, is a gathering of scholars. This year’s schedule includes a variety of scholars who will speak on topics of importance and relevance to our field. Check out some of the fascinating talks below: On Tuesday… Joyce Kasma Valenza, of Rutgers University, will show us why, when it comes to innovation, “There is No Box,” as she opens our minds to transformative leadership from 9-9:50am. Tim Dewysockie of Rowan University will take us “From BIBFRAME to the Cloud” while giving us a glimpse into the future of library automation via ILS (Integrated Library System Technology) at 9am. Leslin H. Charles of Rutgers will take us “Out of the Information Literacy Assessment Box” while introducing new ways to assess libraries’ impact on student learning from 11:30am-12:20pm. Look for scholars Cara Berg and Theresa Agostinelli’s related presentation, “Instructional Assessment Strategies at Your Library!” at 4:10pm. At the Rutgers Book Showcase at 3:10pm, scholars Marie L. Radford, Rebecca Reynolds, Kay Cassell, and Marc Aronson will discuss new publications in the areas of inquiry-based learning, reference service models, and YA literature. Dr. Ellen Pozzi of William Paterson University will offer guidance on evaluating and selecting diverse titles for a library’s collection at 3:10pm. *Look for a related talk, led by Emily Drabinski of Long Island University, on “Narratives of Library Power” on Wednesday from 9-9:50am. George Robb, of William Paterson University, will show us how to bring ‘history to life’ and capture patrons’ interest with history-based programs and exhibits at 4:10pm.
Wednesday packs an intellectual punch, beginning with Keynote speaker Valerie J. Gross, labeled a literal ‘mover and shaker’ by Library Journal, who will present a new vision for libraries based on her proven “Libraries=Education” model. Her keynote address at 10:10am will be followed by “Making a Splash: How to Implement Libraries=Education” at 11:30am. Keep the intellectual stimulation going at the CUS Luncheon at 12:30, led by Emily Drabinski, where the topic of discussion will be “Local Contexts, National Demands: Navigating Standards in Academic Libraries.” Join Ebony Elizabeth Thomas of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and Kay Cassel of Rutgers University at 2:30pm for a timely conversation on the ways that libraries might “weave together our commitments to social justice and intellectual freedom in our collections, services, and programs.” This talk compliments earlier talks led by Dr. Ellen Pozzi and Emily Drabinski. Also at 2:30, Richard Kearney of William Paterson University and others will lead a talk on innovative ways to connect users with databases which offer more expansive and precise information than an internet search. In an age of ‘alternative facts,’ this talk promises that Librarians can continue to inhabit their valuable role as knowledge gatekeepers. At the College and University Section Awards Forum at 3:40pm, our academic luminaries will be honored for their research and technological innovation. Come and see who this year’s winners are and what contributions they have made to library world. Librarians have been called many things, but we like to think ourselves as scholars, and these sessions help to solidify that persona. Michael Stirm and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
#NJLA17 Programming Spotlight: Children’s Services SectionMar 16 2017 - 4:59pmEach year, we wait to see what wonderful programs NJLA’s various sections, committees, and roundtables will propose--and what will make it to the annual conference. Then come the announcements! YA Section! Emerging Technologies! Reference! While I consider myself a well-rounded public librarian, we all know where my passion lies: services for children. So every year the program listing comes from the Children’s Services Section (CSS) and then I’m like: In usual NJLA Conference Committee & CSS section fashion, 2017 is sure to please. Let’s take a look, shall we? On Monday, April 24, we have the ultimate four-section partnership program at 1 pm: Libraries Without Limits: Serving Developmentally Challenged Patrons of All Ages. If you’re not sure if you serve patrons with special needs...you do! I promise! This type of program is actually something I’ve personally asked for in surveys. Proof that the conference committee sees and hears you. Thanks y’all! Here’s the other fabulous thing about conference this year: there seems to be a CSS program in a majority of the available time slots! There’s a lot to choose from. Here are some highlights. On Tuesday, when the conference really starts to heat up, our early birds will get to go to Maker Outreach: Taking Tech to Urban Schools featuring two librarians from the Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library.
Feeling hungry? Or hangry, in my case? Head over to the CSS & YASS Brown Bag Lunch at 12:30 and learn more about the sections and the Garden State Book Awards process. And make FRIENDS! (Seriously, the best part of conference: connecting with wonderful people.) That brings us to 3:10 pm on Tuesday. You know what? I literally. Can’t. Even. There’s so much to choose from! One great choice is Choosing Diversity: Evaluating and Selecting Titles for Your Library’s Collection (with Dr. Ellen Pozzi and Sharon Rawlins from the NJSL). When the day winds down, you will not want to miss Tech Programs for Low-Tech Librarians with T.J. Lamanna, Cherry Hill Public Library; Joseph Emery, Livingston Public Library; Megan Kociolek, Nutley Public Library; Lisa O'Shaughnessy, East Orange Public Library. I love when South Jersey & North Jersey come together to share their expertise with us. Every sessions has a plethora of fabulous choices. How are we even going to choose? I don’t know! So when you wake up on Wednesday after you and your amazing colleagues receive awards and accolades and enjoy pleasant company at the Pool Party, get your breakfast on with the State Library. Early? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. Once you’ve been fed, you’re ready to tackle Wednesday. Remember those difficult decisions you had to make yesterday? Get that hat back on because it’s time to choose between more wonderful sessions. But do you consider yourself not-so-tech-savvy? Try Conversation Starter - Full STEAM Ahead: Programs and Resources for Non-Tech Librarians with Erica Krivopal and Doug Baldwin of Piscataway Public Library. If you aren’t in tune with the work PPL does, you will not want to miss this opportunity. They set a great example for public library services. Finally, it’s lunch time! Can’t miss the Garden State Book Awards Luncheon. I have both laughed and cried at this amazing, delicious, event. Be sure to book your spot when you register for conference! Then walk, swiftly, for a seat at Practical Conversations about Diversity, Inclusion, Intellectual Freedom and Our Role in Social Justice Work. Let’s get honest and accountable with each other. I hope to see you there and sit at the table of change and justice with you all. And then, just like that, it really is time to say goodbye: But we don’t have to worry about that yet. See you in April, my friends. Cassie Runkel and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
#NJLA17 Programming Spotlight: Technical Services SectionMar 15 2017 - 12:39pmNJLA's Technical Services Section works hard to make sure we know the best processes and procedures to make our collections accessible and ready for all! Check out what they have to say about their program offerings for this year's conference!
We know our patrons want e-resources, and they are as popular as ever. Cost considerations along with the potential for an intensive and multipart Technical Services and Collection Development workflow, can make selection tricky. How can libraries be sure they're spending their budgets on resources their patrons will want? Demand-driven acquisition is a method of e-resource development that allows patron demand to help guide the process. Two librarians, one from the world of public libraries and the other from the world of academic libraries, will share their experiences with DDA and learn whether it can help your library. This program will have broad ranging appeal across types of libraries and impacts all aspects of library service. Building an e-Book Collection via Demand-Driven Acquisition is co-sponsored by the College & University Section, Emerging Technologies Section, and Reference Section. Building an e-Book Collection via Demand-Driven Acquisition Is demand-driven acquisition (DDA) right for you? Middlesex County College Library has been using DDA to build its e-book collections since 2011, and our experience may either make the case for DDA or scare you away. This program will lay out the benefits and challenges of DDA, including setting up subject profiles, selecting material, monitoring funds, managing catalog records and weighing DDA against other available e-book acquisition models. Dan Lane from BCCLS will discuss demand driven e-content acquisitions in the public library sphere. Presenter(s): Charles Dolan, Middlesex County Library; Dan Lane, BCCLS Event Time: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 9:00am to 9:50am Location: Wildwood 23 & 24
And don't forget to check out two other programs that Technical Services is co-sponsoring: From BIBFRAME to the Cloud: The Future of the ILS The world of library automation is changing; are you ready for it? From allowing the incorporation of BIBFRAME into MARC records all the way to mobile apps for registering patrons and circulating materials, Integrated Library System (ILS) technology is rapidly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of library staff and patrons. In this session, discover what the future of library automation holds, the latest and upcoming features of ILSs and how they will impact your library. Presenter(s): Elayna Turner, Gloucester County Library System; Tim Dewysockie, Rowan University
Presenter(s): Emily Drabinski, Long Island University, Brooklyn So don't delay! Register today!
Pham Condello and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee |
On Wednesday is the big event! Do not miss out on your chance to see Justina Ireland speak at the Garden State Teen Book Award Luncheon. Even if you’re not a youth services librarian, it’s a great place to sit, chat with other librarians, and get a catered lunch where we always book an amazing speaker.
We Are All Urban Now
Know Your Community: Using Demographic Data to Better Serve Your Communities (11:30am-12:20pm; Wildwood 12&13)
Home Delivery in the Digital Age (4:10-5:00pm; Wildwood 12&13)
Helping the Dream: Supporting Undocumented Students and Patrons (9:00-9:50am; Wildwood 14&15)
Fade to Books: Barbershop Literacy Initiative (11:30am-12:20pm; Wildwood 14&15)
Librarians as Property Managers: A Crash Course {Because Stuff Happens} (3:40-4:30pm; Wildwood 25&26)
If you can even function after a keynote by Queen Janet Mock, then you’re ready for Beyond the Books with Author/Illustrator David Macaulay! This Caldecott award winner did this year’s Collaborative Summer Library Program artwork.
Narratives of Library Power: The Stories Library Shelves TellPages
