Transition Year – July 2010-June 2011

The FY2010 Budget Environment.

The economic environment in the country and in the State of New Jersey between July 2009 and June 2010 was bleak.  Unemployment figures worsened.  Revenue from state taxes decreased.  Library budgets, library staffing levels, and library services of all types were viewed as cost-saving opportunities by those in government.  Within this environment, events evolved and decisions were made which resulted ultimately in the consolidation of four Regional Library Cooperatives into one, LibraryLinkNJ.

Evolution of Events impacting the Regional Library Cooperatives – a Selected Overview

December 2009

• In the expectation of future budget cuts, the State Librarian directs the Regional Library Cooperatives to cease new contracts, new hires, and the launch of new services through the end of the fiscal year.

January – February 2010

• Governor Chris Christie assumes office.

March 2010

• Regional Library Cooperatives lose 5% of funding in a mid-year cut.
• Governor Christie releases his FY2011 proposed budget which calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services.  This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services.  This budget includes a proposal to move Thomas Edison College to Rutgers University.
• Library Associations within New Jersey develop advocacy plans for the restoration of funds for libraries.
• Local municipalities develop budget cut responses that reduce funding for local services.
• Reduced funding for public libraries results in plans and/or implements reduced hours, reduced services, staff furloughs and/or layoffs.
• Local School Boards of Education develop budget cut responses that include reduced funding and staffing levels in school library media centers.
• Colleges and universities develop budget responses that include reduced funding for their libraries.
• Hospitals develop budget cut responses that include reduced funding and staffing levels and/or merging of medical libraries.
• For-profit and not-for-profit entities develop budget cut responses that include reduced funding and/or elimination of their libraries.

April 2010

• Advocacy efforts of library associations, librarians and library supporters launch statewide, including NJLA’s Everyday Advocacy Plan to Save NJ Libraries and Save NJ Libraries on Facebook.
• NJLA launches Become a Library Champion fostered by the successful Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) model.
• State Library staff meets with targeted members of the legislature to provide information on the impact of the budget cuts to libraries and the value of library services.
• Regional Library Cooperatives collaborate in all library advocacies.
• RLC delivery services are restructured by State Library due to the economic situation.  INFOLINK informed that remaining funds to be paid the four RLCs for FY 2010 will be combined and distributed through INFOLINK to continue statewide delivery at least through July 2010.

May - June 2010

• The approved New Jersey Budget includes a 46% restoration of funds for libraries.
• Regional Library Cooperatives celebrate twenty-five years of service and mourn forthcoming changes.
• INFOLINK FY2010 Executive Board agrees to continue its term of service into the summer.
• INFOLINK responds to an RFP for QandANJ Services.

July 2010

• On July 6, State Librarian announces the consolidation of the Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, the Highlands Regional Library Cooperative, and the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative into one remaining cooperative:  INFOLINK.
• State Library presents webinars on the Status of the New Jersey State Library and Statewide Cooperative Supported Services, July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
• Central Jersey, Highlands and South Jersey Regional Library Cooperatives commence a dissolution process under the direction of CJRLC Executive Director Connie Paul, HRLC Executive Director Joanne Roukens, and SJRLC Executive Director Karen Hyman
• INFOLINK proposes a transition budget to the State Library
• INFOLINK transition budget funded at $1.840 million for staff, office, delivery and continuing education services.
• INFOLINK awarded $300,000 contract for QandANJ Services.
• INFOLINK Executive Board approves a Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate with NJLA on the South Jersey Works grant.
• South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative assists INFOLINK in the transition of QandANJ staff and services.
• State Library and the Statewide Cooperative participate in meetings held across the state in July and into August with updates on State Library and Statewide Cooperative Services.
• Consolidation begins with the Regional Library Cooperatives’ sharing of membership and delivery information with INFOLINK.

August 2010

• State Library awarded a contract with INFOLINK for statewide services on August 6.
• Central Jersey, Highlands and South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative staffs begin to disperse.
• INFOLINK begins staff recruitment with a need for presence, focus and outreach in the northern, central and southern areas of the state.
• INFOLINK starts on a new website to reflect a merged membership and services.
• Delivery Services Advisory Task Force meets to consider issues relating to a merged delivery service and recommends INFOLINK negotiate a contract renewal with Velocity Express for calendar year 2011.
• Central Jersey, Highlands, INFOLINK and South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative Executive Directors and Board Presidents work to form a Transition Executive Board.
• INFOLINK receives first funding check of $900,000 on August 24.
• Central Jersey, Highlands and South Jersey Regional Library Cooperatives offices close on August 27, 2010.

September 2010

• Transition Executive Board holds its first meeting, approves the start of negotiations with Velocity Express and establishes a continuing education fee structure.
• September 13: Assistant Director and Program Coordinator, Central start with INFOLINK. The Assistant Director serves also as the Program Coordinator, North.

October 2010

• Membership is surveyed regarding a new name for the Cooperative and responds with 151 suggestions.
• October 12: Program Coordinator, South starts with INFOLINK.
• Delivery Services Advisory Task Force recommends no imposed fees for service for calendar year 2011.
• Transition Executive Board approves a contract renewal with Velocity Express; agrees not to impose a delivery cost share to members eligible for delivery service for 2011; elects Board officers; establishes a Name Change Task Force and a Bylaws Task Force and discusses the process for the Transition Plan and the December 9 membership meeting.

November 2010

• INFOLINK completes office equipment and connectivity upgrade which includes migration to a T-1 Internet service; voice over Internet phone service; smart phone service for telecommuting staff; and remote server access and webcast meeting set-up for telecommuting staff.
• Continuing Education Webinar Service launched.
• Transition Executive Board reviews input from the Name Change Task Force and changes the cooperative name from INFOLINK to LibraryLinkNJ, The New Jersey Library Cooperative; selects dark blue and cream as the organization colors; reviews proposed Bylaws; and discusses the membership meeting format.
• Transition Executive Board reviews and revises Transition Plan.
• Membership meeting is scheduled for early December for Voting Representative consideration of Bylaws and a Transition Plan.
• Proposed Bylaws and Transition Plan posted on November 29 for review by Voting Representatives of LibraryLinkNJ.  Membership Meeting registration with proxy option announced.
• The Membership meeting is scheduled in three locations for December 9, 2010. With video conferencing connections, the LibraryLinkNJ Board President and Executive Director work to provide a services and budget update to the membership.  Voting Representatives will discuss and vote on the proposed Bylaws and proposed Transition Plan.  Members will provide input on the forthcoming strategic planning process.
• Continuing Education Service for Onsite, On Demand Staff Development launched.

December 2010

• Membership meeting is conducted on December 9, 2010, with time for networking and a business meeting.  Three sites are connected by video conference:  Rutgers Scholarly Communication Center (New Brunswick), Passaic County Community College Academic Center (Wanaque Campus); and the Enterprise Center at Burlington County College.
• Threats to library funding continue.

January 2011

• Statewide Technology Group formed to provide guidance for programs and training.
• Onsite, On Demand Continuing Education for School Librarians Program launched.
• Executive Board approves four Board representatives to the Library Network Review Board.
• Collaboration between LibraryLinkNJ and State Library’s Library Development consultants coalesces on statewide activities and program offerings.
• LibraryLinkNJ works to collaborate with all multi-type library associations in NJ.

February – June 2011

• Transition Plan implementation continues.
• Strategic Planning process will commence including a discussion of continuing education, delivery and other services.
• LibraryLinkNJ’s Executive Board and administrative staff view strategic thinking and planning as an ongoing process within the organization.  The development and adoption of a three-year. strategic plan for consideration at the Spring 2011 membership meeting will be an affirmation of the general intent and direction articulated by the vision, goals, and objectives as expressed by the membership.

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Description of LibraryLinkNJ

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 2,000 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.

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Governance of LibraryLinkNJ

LibraryLinkNJ is a member-based organization operating within the Regulations provided by the New Jersey State Library.  The voting representatives elect a 15-member Executive Board intended to represent all geographic regions and all types of member libraries.  Each of the member organizations has a designated voting representative.   They are authorized to attend the annual membership business meeting to elect members to vacancies on the Executive Board and to vote on a strategic plan, an annual program and an annual budget.

Under the Bylaws of the Executive Board, the Board meets regularly to conduct the business of the organization.  The Executive Board appoints standing committees to study and make recommendations regarding the acceptance of new members, the proposal of budgets, and administration of personnel.  The Executive Board hires an Executive Director who, in turn, hires the staff.

The Executive Director coordinates the appointment of a number of committees from among the membership to provide advice and technical expertise in such areas as Planning and Technology.

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The LibaryLinkNJ office is located at 44 Stelton Road, Suite 330, Piscataway, NJ 08854 in Middlesex County.  It is 1,932 square feet of space on a multi-year lease.  The facility includes a meeting space, private offices for the Executive Director and Assistant Director, office space for staff and limited storage.  It is easily accessible by car, but not directly by mass transit.

Currently there are seven full-time staff and one part-time staff member.  The full time positions include an Executive Director (MLS), an Assistant Director (MLS), two Program Coordinators (MLS), the QandANJ Project Manager (MLS), a Business Administrator, and the Membership Services staff member.  The Online Project Manager (MLS) is part time.

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The History of LibaryLinkNJ

New Jersey Library Network.  In 1983, the Library Network Law was enacted establishing the New Jersey Library Network as a mechanism for academic, institutional, public, school and special libraries to cooperatively provide New Jersey residents with full and equal access to library materials, programs and information that might not otherwise be available in their local communities.  That premise is that the sharing of resources has the capacity to improve services while controlling the cost of maintaining local libraries.

Before 1985, the New Jersey State Library administered an area library system in which the state provided funding to specific public libraries and public library systems in New Jersey to deliver enhanced services to public libraries in their area.  In 1985, the New Jersey legislature established a multi-type library cooperative structure in which six geographic regions were designated and six non-profit corporations were set up to provide services to all member libraries in each of the six respective regions.

Region One serving Bergen and Passaic counties and Region Two serving Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties merged in December 1993 to form the Highlands Regional Library Cooperative.  Region Three serving Hudson and Essex counties and Region Four serving Middlesex and Union counties merged in December 1993 to form INFOLINK, The Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative.  The Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative (Region Five) served Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties.  The South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative (Region Six) served Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

The consolidation of the New Jersey Regional Library Cooperatives is documented earlier in this section.  The present New Jersey Library Network includes the New Jersey State Library and LibraryLinkNJ – The New Jersey Library Cooperative, a statewide multi-type organization which has a service contract from the New Jersey State Library.

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The New Jersey State Library

In 1996, the State Library left the Department of Education and became affiliated with Thomas Edison College, a state college of the New Jersey System of Higher Education, which offers distance education to adult learners throughout the state.  With this move, the State Library continued its role to develop public libraries and public library services in the state: see the Library Development Bureau and State Library Grants sections of the State Library's web page at www.njstatelib.org.  Operational funding of public school libraries continues to fall under the purview of the Department of Education.  Academic libraries fall under the purview of a council of the presidents of New Jersey colleges and universities. Institutional libraries and private schools are under the purview of their governing institutions.  Special libraries have no State coordinating office.  LibraryLinkNJ is the primary means of coordinating and sharing resources among the various types of libraries.  Library Network Law and Administrative Code Responsibilities, prepared by State Library staff detail the relationship of the network.

The current State Librarian, Norma Blake, assumed office in February 2001.  She moved quickly to develop working relationships with colleagues, cooperatives and library associations which benefited library users statewide.  Recognized by her peers from across the country, Norma Blake was honored as Library Journal’s Librarian of the Year in 2008.

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