Making the Connection! Programming with Community Partnerships

Discover how programming with community partnerships can benefit your library! This presentation will define community partnerships vs. community outreach and will cover partnerships and programs that give back, partnerships through programming within the library, exhibits and displays with community partners, and exploring new partnerships through outreach.

Lifelong Information Literacy: Teaching IL in Higher Ed

Montclair State University Libraries is seeing years of collaborative conversations lead to the mapping of Engaged Citizenry and Critical Information Literacy across the new general education curriculum. In this session we will take a case study approach, presenting how information literacy has been taught at Montclair in the past, present and future. We will introduce Critical Information Literacy (CIL) and articulate our shifting practice towards CIL in our library’s teaching and instruction program.

Political Literacy for Library Workers: Understanding, Promoting, and Preserving the Freedom to Read

Simple dissection of the First Amendment will speak to strategies library workers can take to find common ground with those of different viewpoints and defend their patrons’ freedom to read in regard to book challenges. Examples of strategic acts will be provided for library workers in conservative, moderate, and progressive environments to promote diverse content for all patrons. Consideration will also be taken for library workers whose jobs and safety may be jeopardized if they speak out too loudly.

Labor Unions in New Jersey Libraries

Some library workers in New Jersey are represented by labor unions. Which libraries do they work at, and which unions represent them? What are the benefits and costs of joining a union, or starting one? What can and can’t unions do? How long does it take to negotiate and enact a contract? What do workers pay in dues? Representatives of several unions at libraries in New Jersey will speak about these issues.

Phasing for the Future : A Lesson in Library Design

With limited annual funds and shrinking capital budgets for library renovations, this presentation will offer a path forward to complete a larger(er) renovation project over multiple budget years without sacrificing the benefit of the whole design. The key to this success is simple: complete the whole design first, including all furniture, finishes,tr and architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and information technology impact.

Charting the Course: Progress on Updating New Jersey’s Information Literacy Standards

Help us eliminate barriers between K-12 and higher education standards with an insightful session. The NJLA-CUS Information Literacy Progression Standards Task Force shares progress on updating information literacy standards in alignment with the ACRL Framework. Collaborating with NJ School Librarians for K-12 standards, we'll discuss achievements, next steps, and seek valuable feedback. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of information literacy in New Jersey schools from elementary through higher-ed.

World Language Collections -- At Any Size

Building inclusive world language collections to reflect your community means meeting unique challenges. Learn how to identify the diverse ethnic, cultural or linguistic groups in your service area, and how to catalog, process, display, and promote world language collections to increase visibility to patrons. Gain advice and tips from those who’ve built collections at small to large libraries, and take home a resource listing vendors and sources for World Language materials.

Literacy for All: Supporting Dyslexic and Neurodivergent Children and Teens in the Library

Did you know that 1 in 5 people are dyslexic? Yet, it’s still one of the most misunderstood learning disabilities, continuing to mystify librarians and educators alike? Join youth services librarians Brie Mintz and Jen Apgar for a session covering various ways to break barriers in supporting neurodivergent and dyslexic children and teens throughout the library and schools. We will discuss programming ideas, outreach opportunities, resources to support your patrons and students, and inclusive collaboration!

The Year’s Best Graphic Novels 2023

Join us for the thirteenth year of this session of curated Graphic Novels for all ages! We discuss graphic novel collection development for children, teens and adults. Be informed on the best sellers in graphic novels, manga and more but also our panelists selections for the best of 2023 you may or may not have heard of! Review the year in popular culture and look forward to making collections the most relevant. Find review sources and best title lists.

Begin, Build, or Broaden Your Library's Digital Literacy Services

Strong digital literacy skills are increasingly crucial for individuals to participate in facets of life, work, and society. Libraries of every size and staffing level can start or grow their digital literacy services to meet the specific needs of their communities. This session will cover the basics of digital literacy and how it fits into the bigger picture of digital equity.

NJ Library Association Conference

Wildwood 14 & 15