New Jersey State Library

-- from the Public Library Construction Advisory Board Meeting, May 10, 2001

In reviewing grant applications, the consultant review team will evaluate and rank projects based on the following criteria:

• Documentation that the project is necessary, including a description of the present condition of the library and how this project will impact on library service;
  
• If the project involves an existing library building, it must be clear that construction is necessary and is not merely maintenance of the building;
  
• The resulting facility must be efficient, secure, and easy to use from a patron's point of view;
  
• The resulting facility must provide for the efficient use of personnel;
  
• Design decisions must permit interior flexibility to adapt to changing service needs and future expansions as appropriate.

Priorities for the Award of Grants

Priority in award of grants will be given to the best building as defined by the ranking of the review team using evaluative criteria. Should the number of applicants exceed the pool of funds, the age of the existing public library building will be considered. The older the date of the existing library building, the higher the priority in the award of grants. Consideration will also be given to geographic representation of the libraries as defined by the regions of the New Jersey Library Network.