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LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey library cooperative, has named Ralph S. Bingham III as its new Executive Director after a nationwide search. He’ll begin leading LLNJ on July 6, 2021.
LLNJ will benefit from a wealth of local and national experience when Bingham takes the helm. After some time at the University of Delaware and Rutgers Libraries, Bingham worked at the Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) for 5 years before becoming Director of Information Technology at the New Jersey State Library (NJSL) for 2 years. Then he returned to GCLS in 2003, working there in numerous technical and managerial capacities before being named the system’s Director in 2018.
For the last 10 years, Bingham has also been active in the field outside of his own library, serving on various task forces and advisory groups affiliated with LLNJ, NJSL, and the New Jersey Library Association. He’s also a member of the national Public Library Association and the American Library Association.
Bingham will be able to hit the ground running, since he already knows LLNJ well. Not only is GCLS a member library, but Bingham has been serving on LLNJ’s Executive Board since 2019, and is currently the secretary of the co-op. Most important, perhaps, is that since 2020, Bingham has been chairing a vital group known as TOPCATS—the Taskforce on Post COVID-19 Alignment, Trends and Strategies in New Jersey Libraries. The group has worked tirelessly to help all types of libraries manage their pandemic responses, create and implement related policies, and prepare for the future.
He holds a B.A. in English from the University of Delaware, a Master of Library Service from Rutgers, and a Professional Librarian Certificate from the State of New Jersey.
Bingham shared, “I am looking forward to collaborating with LLNJ’s membership, our statewide partner organizations, and leaders of other non-profit organizations as we equip library workers to grasp the opportunities and overcome the challenges faced by all types of libraries in New Jersey.”
“We are very excited to announce that Ralph Bingham will become the new Executive Director of LibraryLinkNJ at the start of our next fiscal year. We look forward to him leading the cooperative that he has already proven to be an integral part of. We know that Ralph can continue to expand on the strength of LLNJ and its services,” said Bonnie Lafazan, President of the organization’s Executive Board.
Ralph Bingham will relieve Keith McCoy, who graciously stepped in as Interim Executive Director when Susanne Sacchetti had to move to a different state.