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NJLA Strategic Plan – Review of Plan in 2009 by Executive Board Planning Committee

Review of NJLA Strategic Plan

Goal 1: NJLA, in partnership with others in the library community, will be an effective voice with funding sources, governing bodies and governmental officials on issues which impact library services.

Objectives:

1.1 Develop a yearly legislative platform that clearly communicates a vision of library services for the residents of New Jersey. (Public Policy Committee.)

Activities:

Revisit, revise and reaffirm the NJLA legislative platform each year

Legislative priorities platform adopted by PP in June 2008 and NJLA Exec. Board in Nov. 2008 and forwarded to NJ State Library;

Survey on Valuing State and Regional Services (Public Policy Dec. 08);

Four legislative forums were held in Jan. 09 in each region to get input from library community on legislative & budgetary priorities-250 attended;

Legislative forum meeting was held on June 5, 09, by Public Policy Committee to seek annual input for legislative priorities to go to State Library after adoption by Exec. Bd. – 50 attended.

Seek, when appropriate, the introduction of legislation which supports the advancement of library service

Campaign against League of Municipalities resolution reducing 1/3 mil support for dedicated public library funding – 20 Town Councils adopted & 141 Library Boards; NJLA made two Budget Testimonies at Legislative Budget Hearings on March 24 and 26, 09 (Exec. Director);

Meetings with Governor Corzine’s aides, including: Efforts made to exempt libraries from the 4% cap law – they continue;

Cap Legislation efforts reported by Exec. Director Mailed letter to Ed McBride in Oct 2008;

Arranged meeting with Governor’s staff for Eileen Palmer, Marian Bauman of Neptune Twp and I in Feb. 2009;

7/7/09 SB, PT and Planning Committee 1


Eileen Palmer, Carol Nersinger and a trustee from East Brunswick met in May with representatives of the Governor again on this issue.

Legislative Meetings (by Exec. Director) Meeting with Assemblyman Prieto on A3753 on Feb. 25;

Meeting with Assemblyman Gerry Green, chair of the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee, on Feb. 17;

Meetings with Senator Buono, Assemblyman Malone, Cryan and Assemblywoman Cruz-Perez on the budget;

Meetings with Assemblyman Coutinho (District 29); Assemblywoman Voss (District 38) and Assemblywoman Pou (District 35) on autism.

Meeting with Assemblyman Chivukula on broadband.

Develop and disseminate position papers and fact sheets to further NJLA’s

legislative positions and action;

Legislative Priorities were adopted by the Exec. Bd. on Nov. 18, 08;

As a result of Snapshot Day on Feb. 19, 2009, fact sheets and audiovisuals of use of the state’s libraries were done and were sent to media; posted on NJLA Wikis and library webpages statewide and used in Capwiz messages to defeat legislative efforts to change dedicated library funding from 1/3 of a mil to 1/6 of a mil

As a result of recent projected budget cuts from the Governor’s office, NJLA and NJSL have developed budget information sheets showing cuts to library funding over past few years and comparing to lack of increases for 20 years.

Use the NJLA webpage as a primary source for information regarding NJLA’s legislative positions and action

Use of WIKIS has enhanced current information. Public Policy has an advocacy calendar and advocacy resources and toolkits; wealth of information on use of libraries from Snapshot Day. Information from forums posted on Public Policy WIKI. (President, PP, Publications Committees)

Legislative section is prominent on redesigned NJLA page and has current legislative issues. (on top banner) President, PP and Webpage Committees.



Seek endorsement of NJLA’s legislative positions from other organizations that could assist in advancing this agenda

Worked with NJ League of Municipalities to remove libraries from the 4% cap; (Exec. Director.)

Working with Dept. of Labor and other groups to mutually serve literacy / employment missions; (Exec. Director, President, RLCs, and SL.

Lots of attempts to work with Governor’s Counsel and Republican Party financial committee people – bipartisan efforts (Pat, Tina Keresztury and others.)

Model Resolution opposing 1/6 of a mil was adopted by the Exec. Bd. In Dec. 08; Resolutions adapted from the model resolution were adopted by 145 Library Boards and 20 municipalities (Exec. Director, PP Committee).

1.2 Monitor state and federal legislative activity regarding issues of importance to the library community. (Public Policy Committee, Intellectual Freedom Subcommittee, NJLA Director)

Activities:

Use current communication methods to inform the library community when immediate legislative action is needed

CapWiz was used in Feb. and May 2009 to beat back Assembly bill A 3753 & Senate bill S 2775 to cut dedicated municipal library funding from 1/3 of a mil to 1/6 of a mil- Assemblyman Prieto withdrew the bill and worked with NJLA to provide other relief to taxpayers; Senate bill was withdrawn in June 2009 by Senator Stack; (Exec. Director, PP)

Telephone conferencing program bought by NJLA in early 2009 to make committee communication better and quicker;

NJLA and NJSL listen to weekly meetings on progress with federal stimulus funding to see how it can help our legislative priorities and mission; (Exec. Dir., Chair of PP)

Develop an action plan to deal with political issues

Plans are being developed to work on a more formal plan by Exec. Director/ President/ Chair of Public Policy Committee in 2009-10.

Provide assistance to libraries in developing responses to complex issues



NJLA assisted Belleville, Bloomingdale, Jamesburg, Ocean City and Avalon Libraries with complex issues from firing the board of trustees to working out a mechanism to give back extra funds;

Survey on Non-Resident Cards (Public Policy 2008)

Document produced and distributed: “Guidelines on Equitable Public Library Services” (Public Policy 2008 and adopted by Exec. Bd. in March 09). Exec. Director.

NJLA partners with NJSL to provide timely assistance to libraries on difficult issues;

NJLA and NJSL give programs to trustees (May 9, 09 Trustee Conference) on a variety of issues they will face (law, finance, and working with elected officials) This included updates and advocacy coaching on A3753; S2775 and dedicated funding/ cap law. Exec. Director

NJLA provides a list of working lawyers in subject specialties for Boards of Trustees when they need special expertise

Intellectual Freedom (IF) subcommittee provided workshops on privacy (at least six sessions and conference programs and updated NJLA Privacy Guidelines document.)

IF did program on electronic records at the annual April 2009 conference.

Grayson Barber provides pro bono advice when law enforcement comes to libraries.

Grayson Barber and Exec. Director met with Attorney General’s staff on Internet safety bills (Spring 2009)

NJLA, NJSL, RLCs & DOL provided 4 workshops for librarians on dealing with unemployment – functioning as e-government and business assistance centers; (May- June 2009);

NJLA Pre-Conference by Ref. Section on Business Services in April 2009

1.3 Advocate for increased funding for libraries. (Public Policy Committee, Public Relations Committee.)

Activities:

Identify and pursue public/ private partnerships that will result in increased funding for libraries



Work with SL and RLCs on DOL partnership to keep what we have and perhaps gain resources/ recognition in what we have done for a long time.

Advocate for an increase in the amount of state funding available to support library service

Due to the current economic climate, NJLA and most other state agencies and publicly funded institutions have had to pursue holding onto resources and trying to minimize reductions in funding. A mighty effort was made to see that a projected 20% decrease in funding for the NJ Library network did not come to pass. Later, an additional 10% decrease did not come to pass (June 09). Efforts to protect funding in current year and for coming years continue.

Use of Capwiz to beat back Assembly and Senate bills to reduce dedicated public library funding from 1/3 of a mil to 1/6 of a mil

Federal Legislation (efforts of Exec. Director)

Went to Washington with Norma Blake and Mick Schiering in April 2009;

Participated in ALA federal legislative Day in Mary 2009;

Participated in numerous ALA phone calls on the stimulus;

Sent legislative alerts to ask Congress to include libraries in the stimulus;

Sent legislative alerts for congress to support higher levels of support to LSTA;

Attend meetings with State Library and Thomas Edison Staff on stimulus;

Attended Governor’s meeting on the stimulus;

Chair of ALA committee on Reauthorization of LSTA;

Prepared documents for US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s visit to New Jersey in June 09;

1.4 Train NJLA members to be library advocates. (Public Policy Committee, Professional Development Committee.)

Activities: Design programs and presentations for the library community to use with their

elected officials and community organization Continue the practice of hosting an annual lobbying day/ legislative activity

NJLA Preconference on Marketing as a Team Sport and other conference programs;



NJLTA May 9, conference with Stephanie Vance on advocacy to stakeholders & elected officials. (About 180 attended.)

May 11 and 12, 09 was ALA Legislative Day - 25 members attended and visited with all NJ congressional delegations in Washington, D. C.

1.5 Increase understanding of NJLA’s legislative positions through pro-active contacts with elected officials and their staffs. (NJLA Director, Public Policy Committee and Executive Board.)

Administrative Contacts with Corzine Administration (Exec. Director)

Organized meeting with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development on training sessions for librarians;

8 workshops on how to assist people filing for unemployment benefits. Regional library cooperatives and the NJ State Library participated;

Reviewed grant proposal from County Colleges to get a Department of Labor Grant to assist in computer training in libraries. No word yet;

Participated in the grant proposal workshop for a labor grant. Grant deadline is July 2;

Met with government organizations working on assisting people with foreclosure. Hope to replicate the labor model in the future (Exec. Director, President, NJSL & RLCs – June 09.) Attend Conference on Workforce Development sponsored by Governor’s office on Dec. 3

Attended meetings with Corzine officials on “green technology” organized by Tina Keresztury.

Activities:

Maintain a network of members who can discuss library issues with legislators and other key government officials

Exec. Director, President and Chair of Public Policy are working on development of more formal network for 2009-10. This includes working with the State Library to develop a Library Champions program modeled on BCCLS’ program – beginning summer of 2009 – to be accomplished by Sept. 1, 09, as part of next year’s Strategic Plan accomplishments.



Library Legislative Liaisons with Specific Representatives (reported by the Exec. Director)

We have always reached the right legislative offices when an issued has arisen but not with a formal list of people. For example, we got to Hoboken which got to Senator Stack. We got to Robert White who also contacted Secaucus who got to Assemblyman Prieto. We contacted Joe DaRold who went to Assemblyman Green. We went to Chris Maloney at Ocean City who gets to Van Drew.

1.6 Educate new members as to the benefits of continuing membership.

Member Services Committee has made considerable efforts to do this including personal communication, invitations to events at conference, dine arounds at conference, etc.

Vision and Leadership

Goal 2: NJLA will enable members to develop a collective vision for the future direction of libraries in the state and support them in their efforts to attain that vision.

Objectives:

2.1 Promote the staffing of libraries with professional librarians. (Public Policy Committee, Professional Development Committee.)

Activities:

Conduct continuing education seminars and training on NJLA’s core competencies for librarians

IT Section held joint program with NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped on Virtual Communication and Assistive Technologies;

IT Section organized conference programs on such topics as video, Twitter; the future customer; Google Analytics and held most of the IT section virtually;

Prof. Development Committee saw a demonstration in March 09 of using a webinar software tool to create CE programs to reach a broader audience (given by Scherelene Schatz who is using it for JerseyCat.) Exploration of this tool is underway.

Cultivate a student chapter at Rutgers School of Communication, Information and Library Studies (new name)



Membership Committee met with Rutgers student chapter. A March 6, 09 Rutgers Careers day was attended where NJLA members screened resumes and gave pointers to Rutgers student members (President); Visit to Rowan University Library program to cultivate membership in NJLA (January 2009)-VP met with six students;

29 graduates of the NJ Emerging Leaders program were visited twice by NJLA Vice-President in spring 2009. They were invited them to join committees and to become active in NJLA through advocacy- see planned initiatives section for 2009-10;

President to work with Membership and / or Professional Development Committees to mentor and to keep track of these EL graduates and cultivate them for NJLA participation.

Work with trustees, administrators and commissioners to affirm the value of the professional library degree (MLS, MLIS)

Trustee Institute programs on May 9, 09, keynote seminar on advocacy with elected officials and stakeholders; 180 attended

Marketing programs for Trustees on May 9, 09;

Use of Capwicz with NJLTA to affirm dedicated library funding- trustees were key to 3500 messages that were sent to beat back A2775 of Assemblyman Prieto;

Work with trustees and local officials to get libraries outside of the 4% cap; exploration of library funding as dedicated- ongoing; PAC annual recommended minimum for starting salaries for librarians and support staff for 2008 was approved by Executive Board; (annual recommendation is made.)

2.2 Provide representation and give input to the development and implementation of ongoing initiatives in cooperation with the State Library, the regional library cooperatives, Rutgers SCILS, VALE, NJASL, NJLTA, NJALA, the Council on NJ College and University Deans, University Librarians, and directors, the library community and other appropriate groups. (NJLA Director, President, Committee Chairs.)

Activities:

Attend major meetings, programs and events of these bodies

President and Exec. Director attend and report back monthly. Committee heads report at least annually.

Provide updates on NJLA activities to these groups



President and Exec. Director report monthly. Committee heads at least annually. Report back to the Executive Board on the activities of these bodies

President and Exec. Director report monthly. Committee heads at least annually.

NJLA position on Rutgers changing its name; Rutgers did change its name.

NJLA is represented at all of these groups at our and their annual conferences;

NJLA has liaisons to these groups to work on mutual programs and objectives;

Major joint work with VALE and State Library to save NJKI with mixed success; (ongoing.); Exec. Director participated in the NJKI Taskforce and State Library Database Taskforce;

Membership Services Committee Survey of VALE librarians to increase academic librarians in NJLA (Jan. 09 – 176 surveyed at VALE conference);

2.3 Develop a collective vision of the future direction of libraries in the state and outline realistic strategies to achieve it. (NJLA Executive Board, Planning Subcommittee, Professional Development Committee.)

Activities:

Revisit, revise and reaffirm the NJLA Strategic Plan on an ongoing basis

Review of NJLA Strategic Plan in progress – from April - July 2009; To be presented to Exec. Bd. And President-elect July 2009. Future direction to be determined by President Elect and Planning Committee.

Continuously review and publish core competencies for librarians

Professional Development Committee recommended to Exec. Bd. that ALA Core Competencies for Librarians be adopted (Spring 2009);

Professional Development Committee is reviewing NJLA Core Competencies and ALA Core Competencies to see what areas need to be addressed in workshops;

Prof. Development Committee is working on developing staff development materials to post of the PD WIKI to facilitate staff CE;

Prof. Development Committee is working on review of Service Standards for Public Libraries (2002 document) for revision;



Children’s Services section is developing Children’s Librarian Training Day to be offered every other year in the fall for new Children’s Librarians (similar to New Library Director’s training ;)

NJ Emerging Leaders graduated 29 new librarians as library leaders in May 2009. Next class will be fall of 2010.

Work with library schools to ensure that the curriculum is relevant to 21st century librarianship

Rutgers Dean of SCILS Jorge Reina Schement gave conference program on how library schools are preparing our new professionals for library work on April 29, 2009.

Rutgers and Drexel are conference vendors – supports dialogue on library education.

2.4 Identify and develop future leaders. (Professional Development Committee, Nominations and Elections Subcommittee, Leadership and Education Subcommittee.)

Activities;

Offer more continuing education programs on management skills

PAC conducted two Myers-Briggs workshops on July 25, 08 and Aug. 4, 08 attended by 44 people to learn better communication skills;

Administration Section did survey of members in 2008 to find program preferences – 19 responses which helped shape conference programs.

Prof. Development Committee has worked on survey to give to field through listservs on types of professional development / CE that it would like from NJLA; (Spring 2009);

Refine a mentoring program Continue to use Karma Foundation or other grant funding to promote the NJLA

leadership program to develop new leaders for the profession

Professional Development Committee plans to mentor NJ Emerging Leaders graduates in 2009-10.

Professional Development Committee plans to review mentoring guidelines of mentoring program in 2009-10.

Karma Foundation cannot provide funds for a scholar in 2009-2010;

Additional scholarship funding to promote new leaders – Blake; Bernstein; Job?

2.5 Provide financial resources which will enable NJLA to move forward with all goals and objectives



Activities:

Continue to support annual conference as a primary generator of income and education

Negotiations to hold room prices to same rate for 2009 and 2010 were successful; filled room block requirement to keep prices in check; more than 1100 attended April 2009 conference; (Conference Committee)

Professional negotiator retained by NJLA for assistance with Conference. (Conference Committee)

Encourage sections and roundtables to produce additional programs during the year

Add a major fundraiser which will emphasize reading and learning and which have a good ratio of income produced to hours donated

Fundraising Fair was held on June 9, 09, at Brookdale Community College to raise supplemental income for Association; More than 80 attended and program evaluations were basically favorable. (President)

Additional fundraising activities are planned for 2009-10.

Maintain an investment policy which welcomes donations and protects assets

Change in investment advisors and conservative investing gave the Association advantage in recent recession – not as hard hit; (Budget and Investment Committees) NJLA Treasurer

Charitable giving brochure now available on NJLA website under Support Us (developed by Investment Committee.)

An online donation form is now on the new Support NJLA webpage. (President)

NJLA’s accounts with Amazon and Café Press are being promoted. Possible generation of 4% income for NJLA from most sales.

NJLA Store has gone on the road, open for Business at youth Services forum on Oct. 15, 08, at the Center for the Book on Oct. 22, the Delaware Book Festival, and the NJASL Conference on Nov. 13-15, 08, to earn additional revenue. Store attended the Book Expo in NYC in May 09 and Fundraising Fair on June 9, 09.

Reduce the budget deficit to no more than 5% of the proposed budget



Although a 7.2% use of fund balance was projected for 2009, it was not necessary to use any of this amount, as reported by NJLA Treasurer.

Investigate the purchase of office space to replace and upgrade our existing rented quarters

Investigation of real estate purchase for NJLA Office is underway- Spring 2009 (NJLA Treasurer & VP / Exec. Director);

Partnerships / Alliances

Goal 3: Important issues and goals of the library community will be addressed through effective organizational alliances.

Objectives:

3.1 Develop new partnerships and strengthen existing partnerships with others in the library community and outside of it (NJLA Director, President, NJLA Trustee/ Friends Liaison)

Activities:

Encourage participation in the statewide initiatives and campaigns involving libraries and librarians, e.g. recruiting, marketing, leadership

NJLTA Conference on May 9, 09, programs on partnering; marketing to partners- 180 attended;

Statewide Friends of Libraries group up to 20 + members;

Urban Libraries co-sponsored fundraising programs for Friends and trustees/ librarians in October 08- about 45 Friends & trustees attended Saturday session.

Urban Libraries Section partnered with State Library on May 14, 2009 conference on Safe Teens at Mercer County Community College. Law enforcement and many other community groups attended, as well as some libraries, to work on safety initiatives for teens and collaboration to combat gangs.

PR Committee partnered with Food Bank of NJ at April NJLA Conference to collect food and bags for distribution to needy- more than 1400 lb. of food collected and distributed;

NJ Public Relations Committee collaboration with NJSL in public relations campaigns (Solving Life’s Problems) and telling a story; coordination with media to promote stories through press releases (April National Library Week) and Snapshot Day- Feb. 19, 2009.



Initiatives with NJ DOL and other social service agencies to facilitate assistance to unemployed and employment for NJ citizens;

LGBRI Roundtable attended NJ Pride for the first time in spring 2008.

Exec. Director and President-elect met with Essex County and statewide government agencies in June 2009 to see if partnership could be formed on foreclosures throughout NJ.

Continue to provide representation at VALE, NJASL, NJLTA, NJALA, Rutgers SCILS, the Council of NJ College and University Library Deans, University Librarians, and directors’ meetings , as appropriate

Liaisons and representation at conferences is generally realized;

President and Exec. Director report on this monthly and committees at least annually.

Develop alliances with other library-related associations, including friends of the library groups and design programs of mutual interest and benefit

NJLA provides liaison- programs, services and counsel to statewide Friends of Library group, which now has 20some members;

Explore administrative service partnerships with other library-related associations

Exec. Director and NJLA serve as administrative partner for NJLTA and for statewide FOL group.

NJLA provides advocacy arm for NJSL, RLCs and member libraries, comprising the NJ Library network.

Support local Friends of Libraries groups by developing a state-wide organization

NJLA provides liaison- programs, services and counsel to statewide Friends of Library group, which now has 20some members; Oct. 08 program for statewide FOL group – 45 attended;

NJLA liaison role and program planning will be ongoing;

Use of Capwiz with members of statewide FOL group and local FOL groups through local libraries to sustain library funding- ongoing; Use of NJLA listserv, FOL and NJLA newsletters, conference programs and other advocacy tools;



June 9, 09 Fundraising Fair had programs of interest to statewide and local friends’ groups – and was marketed to these groups through listservs. 80 attended, many of whom were Friends and trustees.

3.2 Coordinate the library community’s advocacy and lobbying efforts to achieve common goals (NJLA Director, Public Policy Committee)

Activities:

Include all library groups in legislative agendas by providing information and requesting input and support

Four forums were held in Jan. 09 in all 4 regions to get input from library community; 250 attended. Information integrated into legislative platform.

Forum to gain feedback and support for NJLA budget and legislative priorities promoted at NJLTA conference on May 9, 09 – announcement of use of Capwicz to cause S2775 to be withdrawn- trustees sent hundreds of messages to state senators. Use of NJLTA listserv to reinforce this message and other advocacy messages;

June 5, 09 annual legislative forum was held for librarians and trustees at Princeton Public Library; 50 attended.

Survey of library community in Dec. 08 – overview of results posted on PP WIKI;

Survey of VALE in Jan. 08 for data on membership in NJLA; Membership Committee used data from survey in effort to recruit academic librarians.

Public Opinion and Support

Goal 4: The people of New Jersey will strongly support their libraries.

Objectives:

4.1 Actively participate in comprehensive statewide public relations campaigns. (President, NJLA Director and Public Relations Committee.)

Activities:

Seek opportunities in conjunction with the State Library to promote libraries and librarians with various groups

Exec. Director was a member of the NJKI Taskforce and the State Library Database Taskforce;



Snapshot Day – Feb. 19, 09 – discussion of this being repeated a few times a year;

Partnering with NJSL to work on Gates’ initiatives to improve libraries and connectivity;

NJLA and NJSL have developed a Values Calculator and made it available to libraries statewide – May 2009;

Return on Investment (ROI) instruments for libraries to promote their value as part of Libraries Transforming Life Taskforce are being explored – 2008-09;

Participate in and give input to the New Jersey State Library’s marketing campaign

NJLA is partner and advisor in Solving Life’s Problem campaign (PR Committee);

NJLA is partner and advisor in How to Tell a Story campaign (PR Committee) Seek grant resources to support, promote and implement marketing campaigns

4.2 Enhance the image of libraries and librarians as providers of professional services vital to survival in the information age. (President, NJLA Director, Public Relations Committee.)

Activities: Disseminate practical information on how to deal effectively with media under

various conditions

Media Contacts (reported by Exec. Director)

Interviewed for numerous newspaper and one television appearance on library funding during 2008-09;

Maintained the NJLA Blog which features stories on library funding issue

PR Committee is posting press releases on its WIKI for specific events, such as National Library Week (April 09) and Sept. is Library card sign up month, etc.

Show legislators how money spent on library resources enhances the quality of life of the people of New Jersey

Jan. 08, postcard campaign asked the public to help protect dedicated library funding – phenomenal response (38,000 postcards) to legislature helped save our funds; Citizen comments on worth and value of libraries was extremely helpful.

Exec. Director delivers 38,000 postcards to the Governor’s Office in July 2008;



Phone calls to Governor Corzine for support for NJKI;

Capwiz emails in 2 efforts from library supporters in support of dedicated library funding – comments to legislators on the value of libraries and cost effectiveness – more than 5000 messages were sent;

Partnering with NJSL on PR campaigns, PSAs, Snapshot Day to show photos, give testimonies of how people are using libraries to enhance the quality of their lives.

Use of OCLC and other surveys to show strengths of libraries. (PP)

Development of printed materials for distribution and on WIKIs on how cost effective libraries are compared to expenditures (PP, PR Committees.)

Member Services

Goal 5: The libraries and librarians throughout New Jersey will find value and benefit in NJLA membership.

Objectives:

5.1 Increase membership in NJLA each year. (Member Services Committee, Finance Subcommittee.)

Activities:

Review the dues structure annually to keep it attractive to prospective and current members, students and retired librarians

Develop a list of member and library benefits Communicate the benefits of membership to librarians, library school students

and libraries through effective marketing techniques such as targeted mailings to prospective members, a new membership brochure and the NJLA website

Dine around with members at annual conference; (Member Services);

Launching of WIKIS to enhance librarians’ professional lives; (President; Publications Committee and all committees and sections);

Redesign of NJLA website to be responsive to members’ feedback; (Website Committee/ President)

Join now Promotion on NJLA website enhanced joining NJLA- since April 09; (President / Member Services)

Online membership forms for first time – more than 300 new members joined online; (President / Member Services / Publications / Website Committee.)



Personal communication with 360 members to urge renewal. (Member Services and Exec. Bd.)

NJLA Newsletters – 4 a year to help members (Publications Committee.)

PAC has explored insurance companies/ brokers who may be willing to offer “Liability Protection Insurance for Library Directors.”

As of June 2009, NJLA had about 1830 members – the first time it rose to over 1800 in more than 30 years as reported by Exec. Director and Membership Committee;

Recruit specific categories of members: academic librarians, board members / friends, minorities, recent library school graduates, LTAs, etc.

Membership forms updated spring of 2009; (Member Services / President/ VP) NJLA membership topped 1830 – a new breakthrough, including 5 new directors and 16 new academic librarians;

Membership and Executive Board issued personal invitations for renewals and new members in June 2009;

Membership Committee used the newsletter, blog and WIKI and in person representation at these events: Youth Services Forum (10/15/08); the Seth Godin presentation (Oct. 28, 08); the ABCs of Reading Groups program on Oct. 30, 08; the “Show Me the Money” program on 10/31/ 08; and the NJASL Conference from 11/13-15, 2008.

Vale survey (176 surveys conducted) in Jan. 09 and attended VALE conference. ;

March 2009 Career Day at Rutgers to assist Library school students and cultivate them for NJLA membership; (President)

13 (25 year) NJLA members honored in spring of 2009; (Member Services at Conference and in their libraries.)

300 people made use of the new online membership form for renewals and for first time membership (President – Membership Committee.)

Nine scholarship winners this year.

Develop additional membership benefits that come only with institutional membership



Membership committee targeted Institutions to promote institutional membership;

5.2 Increase the number of members who actively participate in NJLA committees and sections. (Professional Development Committee, Member Services Committee, Conference Subcommittee)

Activities:

Evaluate NJLA’s current program and conference offerings to determine topics and presentation formats that will attract more members

Conference Committee / President / Committees

Offer incentives to encourage attendance at the annual conference

Conference Committee negotiated same rate for conference hotel rooms for two years at same rate. (2009 and 2010).

Promote and provide opportunities for members to get involved in committee activities, in person and virtually

VP attended 2 meetings of Emerging Leaders in Spring 2009 – invited them to join committees, which most of the 29 did.

Annual invitation of president to join committees – through NJLA listserv in Spring 2009.

Provide orientation and organizational development training for committee and section leadership

President and Executive Director provide annual orientation for committee and section leadership – usually held in July each year.

Instruction of how to use the WIKIs for committee members – at annual July orientation.

5.3 Improve library salaries. (NJLA Executive Board, Personnel Administration Subcommittee.)

Activities: Update and publicize a recommended entry-level salary each year

PAC recommends annual starting salary for MLS and paraprofessional staff – Exec. Board adapts this.

Recommended salaries are published on NJLA webpage for widespread use.



Use the core competencies to illustrate the level of expertise attained by professional librarians with MLS and the MLIS degrees

Conference programs and workshops throughout the year. Educate administrators and trustees about the need for improved salaries and

benefits for library workers.

Ongoing long term effort through salary and benefits surveys and studies, programs at NJLTA and NJLA conferences &/ PAC programs. Also, use of NJLA blog, newsletters, webpages and WIKIs.

Programs for trustees at NJLTA conference and in newsletters and on NJLTA webpage on how to advocate for better salaries with elected officials.

5.4 Sponsor continuing education activities of professional interest. (All sections, roundtables, committees and subcommittees)

Activities:

Provide a listing of continuing education programs around the state on the NJLA calendar

NJLA has continuing education calendar which provides this (on its webpage.)

Advertisement of these programs on NJLA, RLC and State Library listservs.

Prepare library staffs for increased demand in new areas of service and for the initiation of new services fostered by technological advances

Conference programs and committee workshops.

IT Section specialized technology workshops and training sessions.

Partnership opportunities with RLCs and individual libraries on CE. E.g., NJLA partnership with Ocean County Library on diversity initiatives.

Coordinate conference planning and section, committee and roundtable program planning to ensure that there is a cohesive continuing education program offered each year

NJLA Conference committee and committee and section chairs coordinate this effort.

NJLA Conference committee evaluates annual conference based on attendees’ evaluation forms;

Coordinate continuing education activities with other groups around the state



NJLA works with RLCs, State Library, Rutgers University and other library groups to maintain a calendar, to support each other, and to enhance opportunities through partnerships and continuing education.

Provide opportunities for career enhancement of library staff

NJLA offers advertising for employment opportunities through its weekly job hotline.

NJLA offers scholarship opportunities for those in library schools and through grant opportunities with NJSL, Rutgers and other groups.

NJLA received $5000 in a scholarship in memory of Dorothy Jones.

Individual committees and sections, such as Urban Libraries, offer a variety of workshops to enhance skills at reasonable costs to members and non-members;

NJLA participates in Career Days at Rutgers University, etc.

NJLA President and VP offer assistance with resume preparation and through visiting library classes at Rutgers and Rowan Universities.

Member Services Committee provides support and mentoring to new members through outreach and personal connection;

NJLA matches seasoned librarians with new librarians through mentoring programs sponsored by Professional Development Committee.

Provide opportunities for succession planning of library staff

NJLA has partnered with NJSL and RLCs to offer workshops on succession planning;

NJLA offers workshops for groups like the 29 Emerging Leaders to offer assistance with transitioning into the library career; (Education and Leadership Committee)

Conference programs and committee workshops;

5.5 Continually look for new services that are beneficial to members. (Member Services Committee.)

Activities:

Review usage of current member benefits Seek members’ input on desired new services



Member Services conducted Jan. 09, survey of academic librarians at VALE conference for tips on value to membership (176 participated in survey);

Prof. Development Committee to conduct survey of members for CE preferences to help develop CE training in summer of 2009;

Public Policy holds annual forum and conducted four forums in Jan. 09 to get members’ preferences, including for services. (Outcomes posted on PP WIKI.)

Public Policy did member survey in Dec. 08 on members’ preferences for statewide and regional services.

Administrative Section did survey in August 2008 of its members about programs and meetings. 19 responded. 2009 programs reflected the survey results.

5.6 Increase communication channels to our members. (Member Services Committee, Publications Subcommittee.)

Activities:

Expand and monitor the use of the NJLA webpage and newsletter

NJLA webpage redesigned 2008;NJLA newsletter under review for format and frequency (fall of 2009);

Offer an introductory program to the New Jersey Library Association at the annual conference

Done at past conferences but not in 2009;

Continue an informational listserv for members

NJLA listserv is active – maintained by the Exec. Director and full of news. Posts appear to be at least monthly and sometimes more often.

WIKIs developed by NJLA President and committees/ sections over past year have added a new dimension of available information; (information dispensed in April 09 via listservs.)

Visibility

Goal 6: As the voice of New Jersey libraries and librarians, NJLA will develop a position of increased visibility.

Activities:



Publicize state-wide events through wide dissemination of press releases

PR Committee is working on developing press releases to make available for major library events, such as National Library Week and Sept. is Library Card sign up month. Information on NLW April 09 was disseminated on the PR WIKI and through NJLA listserv.

Increase advocacy for NJ libraries through news stories and articles

NJLA is participating in NJSL Public Relations campaigns;

Exec. Director developed and maintains library blog of library news on NJLA webpage since 2009;

Exec. Director and President of NJLA frequently speak to reporters on library stories;

Many quotes from them in past year through regular press contacts;

Exec. Director works with NJN on library stories;

Individual libraries, library directors and library trustees receive assistance from NJLA when the press contacts them;

Honors and Awards Committee revised the journalism award criteria to encourage entries from a broad range of media including print, television, and web.

Increase visibility of NJ libraries through letters to the editor in response to articles impacting libraries

A series of favorable editorials in major NJ newspapers (Star Ledger, Bergen Record, Courier Post and others) have appeared in 2009 in support of libraries and dedicated funding.

Letters to the editor in support of libraries and dedicated funding have been written. The NJLA blog records the editorials.

This Plan will be reviewed February 2009 Adopted 1996, Revised 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008

This plan was reviewed between April 2009- July 2009 by the Vice-President, the Executive Board Planning Committee and the Executive Director. Its results have been forwarded to the new Vice-President/ President Elect and Planning Committee in July 2009 to determine future direction for the plan. The Exec. Director and President are formulating goals and objectives for 2009-10. These will be forwarded to the Planning Committee by August 2009. The Exec. Board Planning Committee had these members: Susan Briant, Chair/ VP/ President Elect; Heidi Cramer, President 2008-09; Joseph DaRold, Ingrid Bruck, and Susan Fictelberg, as well as Exec. Director Patricia Tumulty.


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