The NJ State Library (NJSL) provides support for the growth and evolution of services, and expertise, for libraries across the state.
Designed to meet the needs of customers across public libraries. For the now and into the future.
Support for these services range from providing statewide resources and continuing education activities to offering leadership models with opportunities for innovation.
Services For Librarians and Directors
Grant Opportunities
The New Jersey library community strives to fulfill the information needs of a vast and varied customer group.
As always, NJSL supports the state’s public libraries in serving all New Jerseyans. From pre-Kindergartners on the brink of emergent literacy, to students on the path to graduation and early careers, to disconnected individuals of all ages on the far side of the digital divide.
Through state and federal funds, NJSL periodically offers competitive grant opportunities for New Jersey libraries statewide.
JerseyCat
JerseyCat is the free statewide interlibrary loan program. Member libraries can borrow books and other materials, and obtain photocopies from participating New Jersey libraries. An agreement with OCLC also allows JerseyCat members to request items from out-of-state libraries if what they need is not available in New Jersey.
Library Directors
NJSL offers comprehensive consulting services to empower library directors in effectively leading their institutions. Through specialized training, resources, and expert guidance, directors are equipped to navigate challenges and drive their libraries toward a successful future.
Library Trustees
NJSL offers dedicated consulting services to support library trustees in effectively governing their libraries. This resource hub provides guidance, training materials, and best practices tailored to help trustees fulfill their responsibilities with confidence.
Strategic Planning
NJSL supports strategic planning as a management tool to determine a library’s mission, vision, values, goals and objectives, roles and responsibilities, and to determine benchmarks and timelines that will shape the library’s future.
NJSL Initiatives: Library Development
NJSL’s Library Development Initiatives encompass a wide range of programs aimed at enhancing community resilience and access to essential services.
Consulting Services
Continuing Education (CE) Training
NJSL offers a variety of CE Training opportunities for New Jersey librarians, library support staff, and trustees.
Features both NJSL-created and licensed content on a broad range of topics designed to help you fulfill your responsibilities and to grow professionally.
Our top priority is to help you grow, develop, and never stop learning.
Directories of NJ Libraries
NJSL has compiled and maintains a comprehensive list of New Jersey libraries.
Diversity and Literacy Projects / Initiatives
- NJSL + Partners Literacy Project
- Social Work Informed Library Services in NJ (SWILIBS-NJ)
- Teaching Information Literacy
Services – Laws, and Regulations (in New Jersey)
Freedom to Read Act
Signed into law on December 9, 2024, the Freedom to Read Act requires the State Librarian to consult with the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) on the creation of model policies, procedures, and forms related to public library collection development and maintenance.
The Act requires the governing body of a public library to adopt certain policies that address intellectual freedom and provide protections for library staff in the event of book challenges.
Library Network Review Board (LNRB)
The Library Network Review Board (LNRB) meets at least annually and advises the State Librarian on matters pertaining to necessary or desirable statewide and inter-regional programs or services; and types of interaction and linkage of the New Jersey Library Network with interstate and national library networks.
Library Law and Regulations
The establishment and operation of libraries in New Jersey is provided for in the state statutes. Because public libraries are supported by public tax dollars, they are subject to numerous laws and regulations. Library directors and trustees are responsible for being aware of these laws.
View official rules and statutes, as well as library law materials and training.
Librarian Certification
Although more than half of the 50 states offer or require certificates or certification for public library workers, the standards for certification are not universal and the requirements vary from state to state.
Local Library Support Fund State Income Tax Check-off
Help support New Jersey’s public libraries by donating to the Local Library Support Fund on your New Jersey tax form.
Per Capita State Aid (PCSA)
The PCSA program is the largest public library grant program administered by NJSL and is the foundation of state support for public libraries.
The program is authorized pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:74-3 et seq. The first State Per Capita Aid Act was passed by the New Jersey Legislature in 1959. It established the principle of a partnership between local libraries and the State of New Jersey for the provision of quality library service through direct state financial support for public libraries. Its passage set a precedent that the State of New Jersey had a critical partnership role in providing quality library service for the residents of New Jersey.
Statistics
The annual New Jersey Public Library Survey collects statistics for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Libraries Survey and for determination of eligibility for Per Capita State Aid.
Review New Jersey public library data and analyses, as well as national statistics.
Statewide Library Resources
E-rate
The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (commonly known as the E-rate Program), which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), helps ensure that schools and libraries can obtain high-speed Internet access and telecommunications at affordable rates.
JerseyClicks
JerseyClicks is a statewide electronic resources program offered by NJSL, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the New Jersey Library Network.
The program offers a selection of eminent databases for college and K-12 students, public libraries, state government and New Jersey residents, free of cost. JerseyClicks provides access to over 20 databases, which cover a host of topics and academic pursuits.
JerseyConnect
Free services offered to all NJ libraries
JerseyConnect is the state-wide technology services program with state-of-the-art infrastructure and applications provided by the NJ State Library.
Email hosting, spam and virus email filtering, website hosting with statistics, managed WiFi, website SSL certificates, domain name hosting, ILS hosting, cloud storage for library data, remote PC access with remote assistance and support chat, virtual meeting and webinar hosting, and consultation on technology projects.
Additional free services for libraries connected to the JerseyConnect network
Premium internet access with guaranteed bandwidth, free router with full-service management, bandwidth reporting, QoS guarantees, and e-rate filing assistance.
Statewide Resources for Libraries
NJSL’s Statewide Resources for Libraries page provides access to a wide range of tools and services designed to support library staff and enhance library services across New Jersey.
It features information on databases, training, funding opportunities, and collaborative programs available to libraries statewide.
Summer Reading Program
NJSL’s Summer Reading Program is a statewide initiative that encourages reading and lifelong learning for all ages through annual themed activities.
Supported by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), it provides libraries with resources, promotional materials, and programming support.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.