LibraryLinkNJ News

For more details about any of our projects, programs, or services please visit the LibraryLinkNJ website!

For questions, suggestions, or help with your account, please reach out to our CE Team: ce@librarylinknj.org

I hope your year is off to a strong and positive start! Thank you for your continued interest in and engagement with our programs and services. We are delighted that you are making the most of our offerings, and we look forward to continuing to support our member libraries in the months ahead.

LibraryLinkNJ is proud to be a Silver Level Partner and sponsor of the 2026 New Jersey Library Association/New Jersey Association of School Librarians Joint Conference in Atlantic City, February 17-19. Our team will host seven in-person MentorNJ Meet-ups, a book mending “how to” station with VALE, and staff our booth (#203) throughout the conference. I will present at a session titled “Building Equity Together: Tools from New Jersey’s Statewide EDI Library Initiative” on Wednesday, 2/18 at 4-4:50pm. We are looking forward to seeing you at our exhibitor booth (#203), so please stop to say “hi.” See below for more details about our sponsored events and conference sessions.

Thanks to VALE NJ, NJAL, and the conference committee for welcoming us as sponsors to the 2026 New Jersey Academic Libraries Conference held at Kean University on January 9. Mi-Sun Lyu, Darby Malvey, and I staffed an exhibitor table and answered questions about our services. I also presented a session about the EDI-NJ project titled "Building Equity Together: Tools from New Jersey’s Statewide EDI Library Initiative” and an organizational update during the lunch time program. It was encouraging that many conference attendees who stopped by our table are familiar with our services!

We hope to see many of you next week at our Winter Meeting! See below for full details.

Best regards,

Ralph

The LibraryLinkNJ team is gearing up for our annual Winter Meeting on February 10th! This virtual event will bring library staff from across the state together to highlight the amazing work happening in New Jersey’s libraries.

This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, stay informed, and share the love for libraries and staff across New Jersey! Whether you're looking to learn something new, celebrate something positive, or simply spend time with fellow library professionals, we hope to see you there! The meeting is free and open to all, and will take place over Zoom.

Click here to register!

Do you know how a New Jersey school library is staffed? We want to hear from you! LibraryLinkNJ is partnering with statewide library organizations to crowd-source accurate information about K–12 school library staffing across the Garden State. This anonymous data will help identify where additional library support is needed most.

If you have confirmed information about staffing at a NJ school library, please take a few minutes to share it using our short form. One form per school, and no guessing--only what you know to be true.

• Submissions accepted through February 28, 2026
• All responses are anonymous and used for informational purposes only

Please use this form to fill out any information you have about NJ school libraries!

Are you attending the NJLA/NJASL conference this month? Be sure to keep an eye out for us!

• MentorNJ Meet-ups:

• Wednesday, February 18: School Libraries, 10:30am; Latino Library Staff, 11:30am; Indigenous American Library Staff, 2pm; Adventures in Administration, 2pm; Wellness Wednesday, 4pm
• Thursday, February 19: AI in Libraries, 9am; LGBTQUIA+ Library Staff, 11am
• Sessions
• Building Equity Together: Tools from New Jersey’s Statewide EDI Library Initiative -- Wednesday, 2/18 @ 4-4:50pm
• Drop-Ins
• Book Mending Station: Wednesday, 2/18 from 1:30-5:30pm and Thursday, 2/19 from 8:30-Noon
• LLNJ Booth, Exhibit Hall Booth 203: Whenever exhibits are open

EDI-NJ Institutional Assessment Pilot Project

The eight participating libraries completed their first institutional assessments in January, and Ozy Aloziem, our EDI consultant, conducted a workshop on January 22 to guide the libraries in preparing to develop their action plans. The libraries will continue to receive individual consultations with Ozy from February through March. More updates will follow!

We need your help! - EDI Resource Solicitation Form

EDI-NJ is conducting an audit of the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) resources currently being used across New Jersey libraries. If you or your organization have participated in an EDI training, workshop, or program—or if you’ve come across a resource you believe is valuable and worth reviewing—we invite you to share it with us. Your input will directly inform this audit and help strengthen our collective EDI efforts statewide.

The information gathered through this solicitation will help us:

1. Better understand the types of EDI training and resources libraries are currently using

2. Identify gaps, strengths, and emerging needs

3. Inform future planning, recommendations, and shared resources

Thank you in advance for contributing your experience and insights. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at edi@librarylinknj.org.

We're conducting a survey to better understand how our member public libraries currently use their meeting and event spaces and to assess interest in hosting future LibraryLinkNJ programs, including cultural events, exhibits, and possible pop-up experiences. The survey is quick and easy, and your responses will directly inform our planning to bring more engaging programs to your library.

Take the Survey at: https://forms.gle/3xpBMPR82TUMvePY8

Thank you for helping us shape exciting opportunities for our communities!

LibraryLinkNJ members can subscribe to Schlager Digital Library’s Essential Primary Sources, an online collection of more than 3,500 curated primary source documents with 2,500+ original scholarly commentaries. Designed to support teaching and research, the collection covers U.S. and world history, American government, ethnic and gender studies, religious studies, and business history.

Discounted pricing is available through July 31, 2026, with special rates for academic, public, and high school libraries.

To learn more or to order, contact Matt Haberman, Director of Sales, at matt@schlagergroup.com.

LibraryLinkNJ members receive special group rates for the Computers in Libraries 2026 Conference, held March 17–19 in Arlington, VA. Enjoy discounted pricing of $399 for the 3-day conference and $699 for the Gold Pass through February 13 (higher rates apply after).

Register using the LLNJ discount link or enter code 26LLNJ at checkout.
More details can be found at: https://computersinlibraries.infotoday.com/2026/default.aspx

Find more discount offers, including those from Newsreel and Library Journal, at https://librarylinknj.org/discounts!

The LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace offers a range of on-demand resources designed to meet the changing needs of library staff. From emerging technologies to critical thinking and inclusive service approaches, you’ll find opportunities to strengthen your skills and broaden your perspective. All highlighted courses are open to everyone—no login required—and are crafted to support continued growth for staff in every area of library work.

Courses on the LearningSpace are specifically designed to support the professional development of library staff. Please note that these courses are not intended for use or access by the public.

Archives in Action: Empowering Student Workers and Community Volunteers

This webinar will focus on the empowering opportunities that archives and special collections can offer both student workers and community volunteers. Highlighting specific projects at Bradley University and Illinois Wesleyan University, the speakers will share guidelines (and pitfalls) for incorporating volunteers and student workers into everyday operations in an archival environment. Home to tedious tasks and resume-building projects, archives and special collections are uniquely positioned to offer hands-on experience and experiential learning. The speakers will also share tips for making this work meaningful and beneficial for everyone.

• Archives in Action: Empowering Student Workers and Community Volunteers; Virtual; Wednesday, February 4, 2pm-3pm.
• This event is brought to you by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) and made available to you via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia (PDA)

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How Do You Measure Good Will: Finals Week Activities, Student Well-Being, and Assessment

As academic libraries implement more well-being initiatives to support students in a stress-inducing environment, what assessment measures do we have in place to ensure that our goals are being met? This presentation will present an overview of a finals week study conducted at an R1 institution library, showcase examples of finals week activities, and share student feedback. Additionally, we will explore how closely examining the library’s finals week initiatives has sparked a conversation about whole-person development initiatives that take place more frequently than once a semester.

• How Do You Measure Good Will: Finals Week Activities, Student Well-Being, and Assessment; Virtual; Thursday, February 5, 3pm-4pm.
• This event is brought to you by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) and made available to you via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia (PDA)

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From Intimidating to Insightful: Building a Usability Testing Program

Public libraries are rethinking outreach strategies. In this workshop geared toward staff and professionals in Youth Services, we’ll share how public libraries can develop and sustain connections with their community through parent-teacher organizations. Engaging directly at PTA meetings and programs connects librarians directly with parents and caregivers. This approach allows librarians to promote materials, digital resources, and programs to families in their community. In turn, parents and caregivers can engage in dialogue about community needs and preferences. This also eases the burden of busy educators by directly collaborating with families.

• From Intimidating to Insightful: Building a Usability Testing Program; Virtual; Tuesday, February 10, 1pm-2pm.
• This event is hosted by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) and brought to you via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia (PDA)

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Faculty Recognition and the Sustainability of OERs: The Key to Success?

Creating, adopting, adapting Open Educational Resources, or designing and implementing assignments which support open pedagogy, takes time and effort, effort that is not always seen as worthwhile, often flies under the radar, and is not always formally recognized. Through this interactive session, we will discuss our approach to identifying ways to center faculty work, followed by what this looks like in practice. Attendees will gain an understanding of the importance of faculty recognition in sustaining open education work, as well as recommendations for adopting similar methods in their own context.

• Faculty Recognition and the Sustainability of OERs: The Key to Success?; Virtual; Tuesday, February 10, 3pm-4pm.
• This event is hosted by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) and brought to you via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia (PDA)

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From Community to Campus: Public to Academic Librarianship

Many public librarians seek to make career changes by transitioning into academic libraries. This panel will feature four academic librarians that have all also worked for public libraries. During this panel discussion, presenters will discuss their career paths and how their skillsets developed in the public library. This presentation aims to demystify the process, share valuable insights, and offer practical advice based on our journeys from public to academic librarianship.

• From Community to Campus: Public to Academic Librarianship; Virtual; Tuesday, February 17, 3pm-4pm.
• This event is hosted by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) and made available to you via the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia (PDA)

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AI for Transcription in Digital Collections

This session will highlight the challenges of traditional OCR and manual transcription, demonstrate how TranscribeAI addresses them, and share best practices for integrating AI-generated transcripts into library workflows. Attendees will learn how AI-driven transcription enhances accessibility, improves discovery through keyword-searchable text, and preserves the cultural integrity of historical documents. We will also discuss lessons learned from recent pilot projects, including the importance of human review and quality assurance. Join us to explore how TranscribeAI can transform your library’s digital collections by increasing discoverability and broadening access for all users.

• AI for Transcription in Digital Collections; Virtual; Thursday, February 19, 1pm-2pm.
• This event is hosted by Minitex and brought to you by the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia (PDA)

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Signing Basics—"Essential Signs for Emergency"

LibraryLinkNJ is proud to partner with Signing Basics to offer "Essential Signs for Emergency," a one-time workshop which will teach library staff how to better communicate with members of their community who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. With the recent rise in emergencies and incidents across the United States, we believe it's essential to have a working knowledge of basic emergency sign language phrases. Having these basic skills will quickly reduce the communication stress that comes from escalating situations. Included are interactive handouts featuring all the signs learned during the training, along with video tutorials allowing attendees to continue learning after the training is concluded. Sessions will not be recorded.

• Signing Basics—"Essential Signs for Emergency"; Virtual; Thursday, March 5, 10am-10:45am.
• Registration for this one-hour training is limited to 10 people, and is only available to those who have successfully completed both Customer Service Signs for Librarians: Part 1 and Customer Service Signs for Librarians: Part 2

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a nationally recognized program that offers Mental Health First Aid training courses designed to help participants react confidently, competently, and appropriately when they encounter an individual suffering from a mental health crisis. From identifying risk factors and warning signs to outlining strategies for assisting someone in the midst of a crisis, a Mental Health First Aid training course prepares participants to enact an action plan and utilize appropriate interventions when they encounter a mental health emergency.

LibraryLinkNJ is proud to partner with Hackensack Meridian Hospital System to offer both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid training to our members. Mental health emergencies can touch nearly any aspect of library service, and we invite staff in any position from any library type to register for this valuable training course.

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training; Virtual; Friday, March 6, 9am-1:30pm.
• Registration for each course is limited to 30 participants, but a wait list will be available and additional dates will be scheduled as interest dictates
• Participants must complete a 2 hour self-paced online course in addition to attending the scheduled training date

Join us for any or all of our MentorNJ Meet-ups this month. No registration required!

Zoom links go out to our entire email list each Monday morning for the Meet-ups to be held that week.

• Disabled & Neurodivergent Library Staff - February 3, 2pm

• API - February 9, 3pm

• LGBTQUIA+ Library Staff - February 11, 11am

• AI in Libraries - February 12, 2pm

• Maker Meetup - February 12, 2pm

• Juggling Parenting & Library Work - February 13, 10am

• School Libraries - February 18, 10:30am; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• Latino Library Staff - February 18, 11:30am; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• Adventures in Administration - February 18, 2pm; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• Indigenous American Library Staff - February 18, 2pm; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• Wellness Wednesday - February 18, 4pm; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• AI in Libraries - February 19, 9am; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• LGBTQUIA+ Library Staff - February 19, 11am; In- Person at NJLA Conference

• Adventures in Administration - February 26, 10:30am

Want to know more about a meet-up? Check out our calendar!

MentorNJ In-Person Mega Meet-up

Join the MentorNJ Task Force for our annual Mega Meet-up, providing library staff from around the state an opportunity to gather together for networking, support, and learning! Whether you're a veteran MentorNJ participant or will be joining us for the first time, all are welcome at this fun, full-day event. This year's Mega Meetup schedule includes a keynote panel on leadership, networking time, breakout discussions, and much more! Registration is now open and limited to 50 participants. Sign up today!

• MentorNJ Mega Meet-up 2026; In Person; Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 10am-3:30pm. Monroe Township Library (Middlesex County).

Last month, LLNJ kicked off the first session of Leadership Lab: Preparation & Exploration for Aspiring Leaders with an engaging, in-person workshop at Monroe Township Public Library. Led by Work Wise Labs founder Elissa Zylbershlag, the session blended thoughtful discussion, hands-on activities, and meaningful peer connection.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and brought such energy, curiosity, and openness to the conversation. We loved learning alongside you and can’t wait to continue the journey together in the upcoming sessions!

Thank you to VALE for welcoming LibraryLinkNJ at the NJALC Conference! We loved the opportunity to connect with academic library colleagues, share resources, and talk about how we support libraries across New Jersey. It is always a pleasure to be part of such a thoughtful, engaged library community.

There will be no statewide delivery service and the LibraryLinkNJ office will be closed on Monday, February 16th, 2026, in observance of Presidents' Day.

If you are holding any extra Blue Bins that your library is not utilizing please leave them for your TForce Driver and they will take them. TForce is running low on LLNJ bins that we supply to libraries.

If you are no longer enrolled in the statewide delivery service and you are holding any LLNJ delivery supplies (Blue Bins, Plastic Bags), please contact Jennifer Bruno at jennifer@librarylinknj.org and we will arrange pickup of the supplies.

Registration is now open for New Jersey Makers Day 2026! Please register your sites here. New Jersey Makers Day 2026 will take place March 20-22nd. As always, we strongly encourage sites to pick dates that work best for your community.

While our mini-grant program is not available this year, we highly encourage you to check out the STEM Month Mini-Grants program from New Jersey STEM Pathways Network! This fantastic opportunity is open now through January 9th, 2026.

Interested in hosting a lion dance presentation at your library? South Jersey Lion Dance is offering presentations, available for booking Saturday mornings and afternoons starting March 21st to the end of the calendar year.

See the flyer below for more information. For questions, email SJLionDance@VACEC.org,

LibraryLinkNJ's Executive Board will hold their next meeting on Thursday, February 26th at 3pm via Zoom.

All LibraryLinkNJ members are welcome to attend Executive Board meetings. Find more information on the Executive Board page on our website!

We want to hear what you've got to say.

Please email suggestionbox@librarylinknj.org with feedback about our services and programs. Suggestions for new services and programs are welcome, too.

LibraryLinkNJ: Every New Jersey Library - Connected and Thriving

LibraryLinkNJ (formerly known as INFOLINK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Its members are multi-type libraries and library-related agencies located in the twenty-one counties of New Jersey. This area includes 8.79 million people. The population of the state is highly diverse and includes some of the largest communities of Spanish speaking and Asian Indian persons in the U.S.

LibraryLinkNJ – The New Jersey Library Cooperative has over 1100 voting representatives from over 2,500 public and private school, public, academic, institutional, corporate, health sciences and special libraries and library-related agencies. A member-elected Executive Board meets regularly to oversee the programs and services of the organization.

LibraryLinkNJ and its services are funded by the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network. Members join at no charge and pay no dues.

Email: info@librarylinknj.org
Website: www.librarylinknj.org
Location: 2300 Stuyvesant Avenue, Ewing Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-752-7720
Facebook: facebook.com/librarylinknj
Instagram: @librarylinknj