Testimony of Patricia A. Tumulty, Executive Director, before the Assembly Budget Committee (April 11, 2006)

I am testifying in support of the funding for library programs administered by the New Jersey State Library. Since 1995, the State Library has been affiliated with Thomas Edison State College. That affiliation was made permanent with the passage of legislation in July 2001. Many of the information services supported by this budget and provided by the State Library are available to every school, public and academic library through the statewide interlibrary loan program, the 24x7 Virtual Library and statewide database collections of magazines, newspapers and other electronic information resources. These resources are provided to all residents either in their local libraries or remotely through the Internet by simply using the bar code on the back of their library card. This makes the dream of an anytime, anywhere library a reality. The provision of information resources on a statewide basis is a model of cooperation among various institutions and provides for cost containment at the local level.

The role of New Jersey’s libraries has greatly expanded in the last decade. The concept of the library as a mere collection of books is long gone. Libraries are increasingly filling two critical functions-- as economic and community development centers providing essential resources both in the library and virtually to all New Jersey residents. In a world where some people think all information can be found using “Google”, the reality is that the residents of New Jersey are utilizing their libraries in record numbers. When I first started testifying before you the number of library visits by New Jersey residents was only 35 million. Now that number is over 42 million visits last year- the most visited venue in New Jersey. That number of people would fill Giants Stadium 529 times. From family literacy programs, to computer classes for senior citizens, to art exhibits, libraries are vibrant community centers. In addition, there are millions of uses of library materials through our Virtual Library system which provides information directly to any computer.

Although statistics are impressive, the most important thing to remember is that each visit to the local library--whether in person or virtually--is important to a resident of New Jersey. Whether they are trying to find information on starting a business, have a question about their health, want to learn how to use a computer or assistance with educational assignments--library services empower people. It directly impacts their quality of life.

VALUE OF LIBRARIES

A recent survey conducted by the American Library Association has revealed some important statistics which verify the importance of libraries to our communities. Nearly two-thirds of Americans report owning a library card. Most respondents cited that the library “is a place where I can learn for a lifetime” and “provides essential information for school and work.” These themes resonate with the people of New Jersey. The state budget is a blueprint of the programs and services which are important to the residents of New Jersey. State support for library funding is critical to the success of library programs on the local level. I have had the privilege to speak before this committee for many years regarding the importance of state funding for libraries. I would like to share with you how state funding has transformed our programs and services in that time.

CHANGING ROLES OF LIBRARIES

Technology Centers

The New Jersey’s libraries today are fundamentally different than those of just a decade ago. Today our libraries are playing significant roles as community centers and economic development tools. Less than a decade ago, few libraries had Internet access. Yet through state funding, today virtually every library in New Jersey provides Internet access to the public. This is particularly important in our urban areas where the majority of our residents still do not have Internet at home. Our libraries are on the front line of ensuring that all residents have access to the vast range of information resources. In addition, most libraries also offer computer training classes for individuals to make sure they can use the Internet and other electronic resources. For success in the 21st century everyone needs to have computer access and must know how to use one. Technology is changing so rapidly, however, that libraries need continued state support to keep current.

Community Centers

Today’s libraries are serving as community centers providing a range of new services and programs for residents of all ages. Many of these programs are supported by funding through the State Per Capita Aid Program. This aid program is a partnership between local public libraries and the State of New Jersey. Local public libraries receive this aid if they provide certain standards of library services to their communities. Below are a few examples of services provided in our public libraries:

Preschool literacy--All of the research indicates that children who are read to early in life subsequently become better readers and do better in school. Public libraries provide hundreds of preschool programs throughout the year, connecting kids and books at the earliest ages. Many libraries partner with preschool centers to offer large collections of books to their students.

Summer Reading--As children progress in school, our statewide summer reading program encourages kids to keep reading all summers. Again research has demonstrated that kids who read throughout the summer keep up their reading skills. Those who do not keep reading in the summer often struggle at the beginning of a new school year.

Cultural opportunities--Libraries have partnered with many, many cultural and civic organizations to provide a wide range of community activities. Art shows, travelogues, concerts, book discussions, historical programs, exhibits, chess matches--to name a few--are all held throughout the year in every library in New Jersey.

An extremely important program which has allowed for the transformation of many libraries into community centers has been the state funded Library Construction Bond Program. State support for libraries through the Library Construction Bond Act has directly impacted many communities. Sixty-eight projects were funded under the first grant program. This program also spurred economic development throughout the state because this $45 million bond was the catalyst for over $270 million in construction funding. Each of these projects has created libraries which are serving as vibrant community centers which have transformed their communities. It has been an unqualified success. Yet, this is one critical area where there is still much more to be done. The New Jersey State Library has a list of over 100 communities who are interested in applying for a second round of construction funding. The list includes many of our urban libraries such as Paterson, Passaic, Trenton, Camden and Jersey City, who did not apply for funding under the first round because the 3-1 local match was cost prohibitive. We believe that another library construction grant program could be used as a catalyst for urban development in these cities. There are several bills pending before you regarding a second round of construction funding which is desperately needed.

24/7 Libraries

In the fast- paced world we live in our information needs are constant. Here is where our libraries are again providing a huge range of services which we could not offer a decade ago. There are thousands of information resources which are available electronically which can not be found through using “Google.” The New Jersey Library Network is a state funded system which joins over 4,000 libraries together to share materials and services. The New Jersey Library Network maximizes its funding for example, by cooperatively purchasing electronic periodical subscriptions to materials such as Business Week, Newsweek, Time Magazine, the Star Ledger and Prevention. These cooperative purchases leverage every state dollar in this program. This saves our libraries thousands of dollars on the local level. By purchasing these through a state funded program , it ensures that all residents can get these materials at any library or from their home or office twenty-four hours a day by simply using their library card.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

Two years ago, through your leadership, our libraries assume another extremely significant role with the development of the Knowledge Initiative. We are in an information based economy. The goal of KI is to provide entrepreneurs, small business owners, researchers and students with information tools for the 21st century through web access to collections of proprietary research materials in the areas of science, technology, medical and business for economic development. These are offered in college and universities in the state, the State Library, through public libraries and at business incubators and small businesses served by the NJ Economic Development Authority.

This program has been developed over the past two years and statistics demonstrate that it is proving to be an unqualified success. These research materials are being used extensively by the small business and higher education communities. The role of libraries as essential statewide economic development tool is being realized. Contracts for this program have been signed through June 30, 2007. Unfortunately, in order to keep this program operational, new funding must be in place before that date. If funding can not be provided through this budget, we strongly hope that as the Governor and the Legislature discuss new economic development programs, KI be included as a essential component in funding for any of new these initiatives. We are getting questions from other states about how KI was developed and implemented because they see the economic development potential. It was here first. Keep KI as the leader in the nation.

CONTINUE TO GROW

The libraries of New Jersey are very different today than they were a decade ago because of your leadership and support. You have transformed the services which we can provide through our libraries. On behalf of the entire library community, I thank you. Yet we know there is still much more to be done. We believe the Governor’s budget strongly indicates that he views libraries as essential services for economic and community development for all residents of our state. We need your continued support to succeed.