The 2025 Annual Virtual New Directors Orientation

Published on January 15, 2025

Calling all New Directors in the New Jersey Library Community!

Our annual New Directors Orientation was offered as a virtual event this February. As a new director, the NJ State Library (NJSL) is here to support you in your role by offering basic training on a number of topics that are considered core knowledge for any leader of a public library in the state.

Topics Included

• Artificial Intelligence
• Library Law
• Working with Trustees and Elected Officials
• Budgeting
• Managing Library Staff
• Purchasing
• Strategic Planning
• and more!

Agenda Day 1
February 12, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

AI At Work: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Public Libraries

9:05 – 10:15 a.m.

Bobbi Lee Slossar, Technology Librarian at the New Hampshire State Library
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its potential applications in public libraries and for our patrons are expanding. In this session, we will explore how AI can streamline daily tasks, enhance patron services, and provide librarians with a wide variety of tools to transform the way they work. Attendees will gain insights into practical AI applications, discuss ethical considerations, and leave with actionable strategies to integrate AI into their libraries, ensuring they stay at the forefront of innovation while maintaining their commitment to community service.

Bobbi Lee Slossar has dedicated nearly 19 years as the Technology Librarian at the New Hampshire State Library, where she leads efforts to bring innovative technology to public libraries. Her goal is to equip librarians with the skills and confidence to introduce new technologies into their communities. In her personal time, she enjoys seeing the world.

Library Law—Where to Find It

10:15 – 11:00 a.m.

Bob Keith, Director of Library Law, State Aid and Statistics, at NJ State Library

Break

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Working with Trustees

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Pat Massey, President of the NJ Library Trustee Association
Pat Tumulty, Library Consultant

Library Budgeting

12:00 – 12:45 p.m.

Michael Maziekien, Shared Services Consultant, at NJ State Library

Agenda Day 2
February 19, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Getting to know the NJ State Library

9:00 – 9:45 a.m.

• Library Development
• NJ State Research Library
• JerseyConnect
• Talking Book and Braille Center
• Communications and Marketing

Managing Library Staff

9:45 – 10:30 a.m.

Leah Wagner, Director of the Monroe Township Public Library

Break

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Discipline, the Most Dreaded Task

10:45 – 11:30

Amy Behr-Shields, Director of the Summit Free Public Library

Marketing and PR

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Tiffany McClary, Director of Communications and Marketing, at NJ State Library

Questions and Wrap up

12:15 p.m.