Break the barriers of getting into NJLA’s history and learn about the committee established to arrange for the retention and preservation of NJLA’s 130 years’ worth of information. The program will include the status of the archive’s current physical location, evaluation of its contents, and plans for continued collection of materials. A selection of items that highlight NJLA’s significance will be shared, and suggestions on how to collaborate on its future preservation will be discussed.

The 250th commemoration of the founding of the United States of America is coming in 2026 and libraries will be key participants. This session will prepare librarians to meet this historic moment by providing an overview of the RevolutionNJ Handbook and key themes, current available programming (including a new grade 5-12 program titled History Happened Here and a Traveling Exhibition), and suggestions on how to develop local programming that will engage patrons. 
 

After 30 years of advocating for an Electronic Records Program, New Jersey State Archives finally succeeded in creating the program in 2022. Electronic Records Archivists Tara Maharjan and Danielle Marchetti will discuss the backwards approach taken during the program's creation, its current state, and their vision for its future. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and successes of implementing an Electronic Records Program, as well as the archivists' plans for expansion and improvement.

Does your library struggle with how to include the works of self-published local authors into your collection? Ocean County Library developed a new policy, evaluation form, and procedure manual and has an engaged committee of staff volunteers who read and evaluate self-published submissions. Our program will share the process of creating this new policy and committee with attendees. We are eager to share the work we’ve done so other libraries can replicate this program.