The NJSL + Partners Literacy Project offers two models for providing literacy services in public libraries.

The Hub & Spoke Libraries initiative provides uniform digital literacy training and credentialing for adult residents at literacy labs across the state.

Currently, digital literacy training and certification for adults looking to enter or advance in the workforce is a non-standardized, decentralized patchwork of disparate service providers. Due to this lack of a cohesive system, the training and credentialing which is desperately needed for New Jersey’s workforce has become non-standard, of disparate quality, and difficult to access. To address this need, the State Library has selected three “hub” libraries that will serve as regionally-based training labs, and 11 “spoke” libraries that will provide additional digital literacy support. The goal of the Hub & Spoke Libraries project is to create a standardized and replicable library-based digital literacy certification program to assist New Jersey’s workforce.

Hub and spoke libraries connect with their local Workforce Development Boards and American Job Centers, as well as other libraries in the area, to create a referral system that accounts for client intake, record keeping, and data sharing. Participants have access to free, high quality training materials, videos, classroom aides, and mini lessons. The program is facilitated by the Plainfield Public Library (PPL), and models PPL’s proven system for providing literacy programming.

Resources for participating libraries can be found here.

Success Stories

Check out Success Stories from some of our participating libraries:

• Trenton Free Public Library had an overwhelming response to the digital literacy program once they were selected to become a Spoke Library. Read their story here.
• Bradley Beach Public Library has helped patrons gain more independence and comfort using technology as a Spoke Library. Read their story here.

The Access Navigators project, an initiative that places a cohort of skilled trainers (Navigators) into select libraries across the state, in order to provide individualized assistance to persons seeking employment, job training, or digital competence.

The State Library has partnered with the New Jersey Library Association to launch a mobile navigator approach to digital literacy that is currently being used across the country. In order to provide individualized support to community residents to guide them from where they are, to anywhere they want to go, 12 libraries covering nine NJ counties were selected to host a cohort of skilled trainers (Navigators). The Navigators provide individualized assistance to persons seeking employment, job training, or digital competence. The program provides: training in computer-based applications; assistance with resumes and job searching; access to electronic information databases, textbooks and learning aids; and resources to teach and enhance digital literacy skills. Entrepreneurs seeking to launch their new businesses can also receive help from the Access Navigators, among other needs.

The Navigators conduct individual assessments, and assist program participants in creating a roadmap for achieving their goals. Once an individual plan is created, the Navigators guide the participant to the resources that they need to accomplish the goals defined in their plan.

Map of NJSL + Partners Locations

NJSL + Partners includes 26 libraries across 14 counties in New Jersey.  Participating locations appear in the map below:

• Hubs – Purple
• Spokes – Blue
• Access Navigators – Green

This opportunity is made possible in in part with funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library, award number LS-250226-OLS-21.