Diversity & Outreach Section

Don't Stop at Hiring: How (and why) to retain and promote BIPOC library workers

While awareness of the critical need for diverse workplaces is on the rise, we also need to make sure that there is a structure in place to support, nurture, and develop existing and newly hired BIPOC workers. Attendees will learn strategies for recruiting more diverse pools of candidates, how to create organizational environments that support diversity and help BIPOC employees thrive, and how to ensure the development and promotion of BIPOC employees.
 

What's Up with WhatsApp? Meeting Your International Community Where They Are

 

Remote services and digital outreach are here to stay, and libraries are doing a fantastic job with email and social media marketing. But what about our community members who don't use email or English-language social media? WhatsApp is a web-based mobile messaging platform that is used widely within NJ’s immigrant communities. We’ll show you how to get started using WhatsApp for library marketing and virtual reference, in service to your own diverse user community.

Fabulous Fun Facts about the NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center

You may think you already know all about TBBC, but you might be surprised by what you discover! Come learn some fabulous fun facts about TBBC. Did you know that people with reading disabilities can borrow TBBC’s books? Or that TBBC mails all braille, audio, and large print books in reusable mailing containers? Technology advancements continue to improve and enhance our services, increasing accessibility for people who are blind or have a print disability.

Creative Aging: Cultivating Healthier Older Adulthood For Library Patrons Through Social and Creative Engagement

Library programming for older adults in libraries has traditionally skewed to the negative aspects of aging. Creative engagement, and the joy that is found through pursuing such endeavors, fosters a healthy and happy older adulthood. In this session, we will delve more deeply into the "why" and "how" of Creative Aging programs that bring opportunities for artistic expression, learning, and celebration to the older adults we serve.

Starting an Internship Program at Your Library: Creating opportunities for future Information Professionals

Internship programs offer graduate students enrolled in a Library & Information Science program the opportunity to gain real-world library experience holistically and with libraries so often short-funded and short-handed, having an internship program at your library is both a benefit for the library and the student. This session will provide practical steps and resources to start a structured and successful internship program at your library. Potential representatives from local universities will also discuss how libraries can participate in their Capstone/Practicum programs.

Libraries of Lenapehoking

All of our libraries are built on Lenape land. Three tribal nations remain here, recognized by the state, but not yet by the federal government. Besieged by corporate interests and private citizens, their ownership of the land is still being threatened, and the ills of colonialism continue to haunt many. Beyond the three nations, tens of thousands of Indigenous people reside throughout NJ. Come learn the ways that libraries can better serve this very underserved demographic.

Keep your DEIB Teams and Initiatives Going Strong!

Starting a team or initiative that encourages Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is an important first step towards creating a supportive environment in your library where everyone can thrive. Maintaining these teams and initiatives is easier said than done – it involves hard conversations and an honest evaluation of your library’s policies and philosophy. This session will begin with an introductory framework followed by a community discussion on sustaining strong and impactful DEIB teams and initiatives.

Matter Over Mind: Developing Dementia Friendly Libraries

Libraries are a hub for thriving communities, inviting people of all backgrounds and ages to connect and pursue lifelong learning. As a neutral, safe, public location, libraries are ideal for hosting dementia-friendly educational services and support programs. Dementia-friendly libraries around the country now host memory cafes, support groups, Dementia Friends training, and even memory screenings for residents.

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