Go back to LibraryLinkNJ Mobile Pilot Project

Submit any questions by email to Sophie Brookover, sbrookover@librarylinknj.org. Since we anticipate many similar and repeat questions, we are addressing them here in this regularly updated page.

Questions

1. Would it be a conflict of interest for LibraryLinkNJ board members’ libraries or school districts to apply for NJ Libraries On-The-Go subsidies?
2. Are library consortia such as BCCLS, PalsPlus, LOGIN, MAIN and LMxAC, et al. eligible to apply? We are interested in a mobile app that could be used by all of our members.  
   Addtional Question: If we applied for the mobile app would our members also be eligible to apply on their own for mobile subsidy?  
3. Our library recently signed a contract with one of the three vendors for this project, but we haven’t yet launched the mobile app. Since we don’t strictly fall into either category by the definition in the project documents, which is the correct application for our library?
4. Must an applicant use one of the three vendors? If we have identified a vendor that better suits our needs may we still apply for funding?
5. How did LibraryLinkNJ select the three vendors for this project? Please describe the process.
6. What agreements or contracts will be in place among libraries awarded subsidies, the vendor they work with, and LibraryLinkNJ?
7. Will LibraryLinkNJ and/or the vendors help libraries publicize to their customers how to access online magazine and journal articles through their mobile apps and/or mobile websites?
8. Our library staff is most interested in developing its own mobile website, similar to the one Camden County Library System uses. Would LibraryLinkNJ would consider offering some tech support for this purpose, as well as similar samples or templates for other libraries to use?
9. Is there a commitment for libraries that receive subsidies to continue a relationship with the same vendor after the initial project is completed? If so, what kind of time and funding commitment is required?

Q1: Would it be a conflict of interest for LibraryLinkNJ board members’ libraries or school districts to apply for NJ Libraries On-The-Go subsidies?

A: LibraryLinkNJ Executive Board members are indeed eligible to apply for the Mobile Project subsidy for their library. However, It would be a conflict of interest for representatives of the Mobile Project Evaluation Task Force to apply.

Q2: Are library consortia such as BCCLS, PalsPlus, LOGIN, MAIN and LMxAC, et al. eligible to apply? We are interested in a mobile app that could be used by all of our members.  

A. Yes.  These types of organizations fall under the category of “library-related agencies” and are eligible to apply for a subsidy.  

Additional Question:  If we applied for the mobile app would our members also be eligible to apply on their own for mobile subsidy?  

A: Yes.  Each of your members may also apply for their own mobile subsidy.

Q3. Our library recently signed a contract with one of the three vendors for this project, but we haven’t yet launched the mobile app. Since we don’t strictly fall into either category by the definition in the project documents, which is the correct application for our library?

A: Please use Application B.

Q4. Must an applicant use one of the three vendors? If we have identified a vendor that better suits our needs may we still apply for funding?

A: Stage 1 of the FY12 Mobile Pilot Project and its subsidy budget is limited to the three vendors identified by the staff, reviewed by the Website Task Force and with whom we have negotiated discounts. In a Cooperative with so many libraries, it is expected that some will choose to go in a different direction. We are always available to offer advice or to be a sounding board as you develop an implementation strategy.

Q5.  How did LibraryLinkNJ select the three vendors for this project? Please describe the process.

A: LibraryLinkNJ researched, approached and evaluated three reputable vendors. All three vendors evaluated for this project are participating.

Q6.  What agreements or contracts will be in place among libraries awarded subsidies, the vendor they work with, and LibraryLinkNJ?

A: This is a discount offer for members.  A member that is awarded a subsidy will have an agreement with LibraryLinkNJ to expend the funds.  Each member library will have its own agreement with one of the three vendors and will need to follow local purchasing guidelines.

Q7.  Will LibraryLinkNJ and/or the vendors help libraries publicize to their customers how to access online magazine and journal articles through their mobile apps and/or mobile websites?

A:  Accessing articles via database subscriptions should be part of any library’s mobile communications strategy.  LibraryLinkNJ is happy to offer guidance in this area, but is not developing a targeted public relations plan as part of this Mobile initiative.  We encourage all libraries planning to apply for the Stage 1 subsidies to query the vendors on this topic.

Q8. Our library staff is most interested in developing its own mobile website, similar to the one Camden County Library System uses. Would LibraryLinkNJ would consider offering some tech support for this purpose, as well as similar samples or templates for other libraries to use?

A: Stage Two of the Mobile Services Project is as follows:

“2.  Library-Generated Mobile Websites - (launch early winter 2012)

Stage Two benefits libraries that prefer to develop and maintain their mobile website in-house, at no additional future maintenance cost other than staff time.

This will be part of the Continuing Education Program as a series of training opportunities.  Further information will be developed for this part of the project by early 2012.”

The approach is to provide training for local libraries rather than technical assistance. This is separate from the current application and subsidy process of Stage One.

Update: This training is the active planning stage.  We hope to announce dates and locations very soon and the training will start in late spring.

Q9. Is there a commitment for libraries that receive subsidies to continue a relationship with the same vendor after the initial project is completed? If so, what kind of time and funding commitment is required?

A: The Mobile Pilot Project Application requires a response to the following:

Sustainability Plan: Describe how your library will sustain its future mobile presence (budget & staff commitment).

A library's reply in this section reflects its mobile strategy.