NJLA Legislative Priorities FY 2007

Strong library services are a critical factor in determining the quality of life in a community. Library resources are vital for providing educational and economic opportunities for the residents of New Jersey. It is fundamentally vital to have strong local public libraries which can expand services through the availability of statewide library resources and through resource sharing agreements.

Goal 1. Create Library Services and Facilities for the Future.

a. State Aid. NJLA supports full funding for per capita State Aid. This program is the foundation of all state support for public libraries. Full funding of the state per capita aid program ensures that local libraries are meeting state standards for library service. Currently, the State Per Capita Aid program is funded at approximately 70% of the level authorized by law. Full support of the program is needed for maintenance of basic library operations such as personnel, materials, and hours. An additional $4 million would be needed to fund this program.

b. Literacy Support. NJLA supports providing $10 million for funding of literacy initiatives in public libraries. This support would include: emergent literacy training; statewide summer reading; adult literacy including ESL, GED and adult basic literacy and collection development grants.

c. Construction Bond Fund. NJLA supports Construction Bond Funding in the amount of $141 million to upgrade library facilities and technology. Funding will provide $45 million in public library construction funding with a 3-1 match; $45 million in urban public library construction funding with a 1-1 match; $31 million in construction funding for the NJ State Library; and $20 million in technology funding.

Goal 2. Improve and Expand Access and Connectivity to Library Resources for All New Jersey Residents.

a. NJLA supports an additional $5 million for the NJ Library Network . The Network permits libraries of all types to share resources, realize economies of scale, combine purchasing power, collectively access high quality electronic resources, and implement new service models for 21st century service. Funding has been stagnant for more than a decade. Funding for statewide initiative such as QandANJ.org and Tutor.com should also be provided through this initiative.

NJLA also supports funding from the Network Program to be used for local resource sharing arrangements developed on a regional basis. These arrangements include open borrowing programs and reimbursement procedures for resource sharing among libraries. Programs funded must be developed with sensitivity to local situations and an environment that stabilizes county library systems.

b.. NJLA supports renewed funding for the Knowledge Initiative at $6 million. This program provides valuable electronic resources to support economic development in New Jersey.

Goal 3. Assure Sustainable and Stable Funding for Libraries.

Local Funding. NJLA supports strong local public libraries which are the cornerstone of library service in New Jersey. In 1884, New Jersey enacted a law which requires a minimum level of funding for all municipal libraries. The maintenance of this law is essential for support of public library service. NJLA will be ready to act in a changing political environment to assure adequate funding for libraries by continuing its monitoring of legislative activities and will vigorously oppose any attempts to diminish local support for library service. NJLA will also provide training for library directors and Boards of Trustees in finance and municipal budgeting.

State Funding. NJLA supports identifying a dedicated, stable source of state funding to support library services. Growth in funding for library state aid programs, electronic resource sharing and capital construction requires a stable long term source of support to be sustained and expanded.

1. Adopted by the NJLA Executive Board July 19. 2005

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