Attention New Jersey Library trustees! Are you looking for continuing education opportunities? The New Jersey Library Association has the perfect conference planned for you from June 2 through June 4 in Atlantic City.
One of the four preconference programs scheduled on Monday, June 2, entitled “Takin’ It to the Streets” provides you with the opportunity to hear about New Jersey libraries that are transforming outreach to their communities.
On Tuesday, June 3, the first full day of the conference, you’ll find many programs and speakers of interest on topics like personnel matters, policies and advocacy. You can attend your choice of sessions about employee performance reviews, advocating effectively with local officials, and using social media to promote your library and engage your community. Two of Tuesday’s sessions in particular that are guaranteed to be popular with trustees include: “New Job titles for 21st century Librarians” and “Fostering the Board/Director relationship.” The first full day culminates in the NJLA Awards Ceremony, which is an outstanding reception honoring librarians, libraries, trustees, and those who advocate on behalf of libraries. The award ceremony will not only provide you with ideas that you can share with your director and fellow board members, but it will make you very proud that you are associated with libraries.
The second full day of the conference on Wednesday, June 4 begins with the NJ State Librarian’s Breakfast, an opportunity for you to hear about the latest developments in initiatives that help the NJ library community. Then it’s on to sessions about makerspaces, union contracts, policies, developing a brand for the library, and so much more.
In between all these sessions there is also time for you to visit the exhibits and learn about all the new products and services that can bring more customers into your library! The exhibitors are very willing to answer questions and with technology changing so quickly, you are guaranteed to learn something new just by waking though the large exhibit space.
And don’t forget: this conference is in Atlantic City! You are a tireless volunteer and you deserve a mini vacation. Hotel rooms at the Revel Resorts are discounted for conference attendees, every room has a beautiful view of the ocean and the choice of restaurants both inside and around Revel make Atlantic City a superb personal and professional destination.
Talk to your library director soon and register for this fantastic conference. Registration can be done via phone by calling 609-348-0500 or 855-348-0500 by May 16 and indicate that you are with the NJ Library Association, or online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/NJLA2014.
Hope to see you in AC!
- Jayne Beline, 2014 NJLA Conference Co-Chair