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Register Now for the 2025 Annual Virtual New Directors Orientation

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The Annual Virtual New Directors Orientation Logo

Calling all New Directors in the New Jersey Library Community!

Our annual New Directors Orientation will be 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. Click here to view the agenda.

Topics Include

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

Register and join us on the following dates

Please note that while this training is geared toward new library directors, all library directors are invited to attend!

  • Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

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

Welcome

9:00 a.m.

Jen Nelson, NJ State Librarian at NJ State Library
Michele Stricker, Deputy State Librarian for Library Development at NJ State Library


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
  • Marketing, Communications and Outreach

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 Marketing, Communications, and Outreach, at NJ State Library


Questions and Wrap up

12:15 p.m.

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The NJ State Library and Talking Book and Braille Center will also be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025 for Presidents Day.
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