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By Eric Schwarz
Chair, NJLA Professional Development Committee
(Email: pdnewsletter@njlamembers.org)
This spring newsletter brings a wealth of information about professional development (PD) opportunities, many of them coming up very soon (as soon a day after this newsletter is published).
The biggest PD event of the New Jersey library world is the NJLA Conference, returning in person for the first time since 2019. Surely you’ve heard of it?
No matter how many emails you’ve seen about the conference, you’ll want to read Pham Condello’s list of five reasons to attend – and remember to lock in the early bird rate by May 16. The Harrah’s room rate guarantee is good only until tomorrow (May 10). I look forward to seeing you at the conference.
I’d also like to remind you that the PD Committee is again asking for your feedback, this time about planning and promoting programs at your library. To learn more, just scroll down to the next article in this newsletter!
With warm wishes,
Eric
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PD Committee Is Conducting Survey on Community Programming; Results of Previous Surveys
By Eric Schwarz
(Email: pdnewsletter@njlamembers.org)
Programming for your library community is always a challenge, and the NJLA Professional Development Committee wants to help. What kind of training or workshops would help you? Let us know by completing a quick survey. *Please distribute this survey widely to your library worker colleagues in New Jersey, even if they are not NJLA members.* The survey deadline is Friday, May 27.
The current survey is the final in a series of three.
The results of the first two surveys are online. Here are some of the highlights of the January and March surveys:
Our first survey, in January, covered collection development, lending, and technology. We received 147 responses. The top five areas of interest for training or workshops were: collection development, diversity in collection development, circulation of realia and “things,” managing digital collections, and readers advisory.
Our March survey, on personal and career professional development, garnered 38 responses.
The survey presented three main topics with checkboxes of areas where we thought people might like to learn more. Again, respondents could select more than one box. The topics and top responses were:
- Personal career development and communication: Communicating/Marketing your value (31 responses)
- Career Professional Development: Finding opportunities in another aspect of librarianship or information science (24 responses).
- Education and Training; Career training or certificates; Training for library workers/paraprofessionals (12 responses each).
Half (19) of the respondents provided detailed answers to the question: “What types of events or programs would you like NJLA to offer (if not listed above)?”
There were also free-text answers about professional development skills that library workers can share, and a space for other comments or questions. And some respondents had comments about focusing on libraries other than public ones and politicizing NJLA. The full responses are on our website.
My thanks to the entire PD Committee for designing these surveys, and especially to my committee colleagues Katie Kotacska and Natasha Mikulich, who are serving on the task force for this project.
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Five Reasons to Attend the NJLA Conference
 By Pham Condello
Co-Chair, NJLA Conference Committee
(Email: phamcondello@gmail.com)
The NJLA Conference, to be held from June 1-3 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, is less than a month away. The Conference Committee has been hard at work creating an event that is not only informative, fun, and educational, but also safe.
Before the conference, registrants will receive an email with instructions to upload a vaccination card photo. If you are uncomfortable with uploading your information, feel free to show us your vaccination information at the conference. You can sign up for the Docket app, which makes showing your vaccination record easily accessible without the fear of losing your card. If you are not vaccinated, please bring a copy of your negative PCR test results. Masks are optional.
Five reasons to go to the conference:
- Amazing pre-conference programs: We’ve got a full slate of programs dealing with timely topics such as equity, diversity, and inclusion; how to grow your board into effective governance; and how to successfully prepare for challenges of materials at your library. With the challenges we’ve faced in these past two years, our pre-conferences were made to get you ready. I firmly believe it’s important to be proactive instead of reactive.
- Socializing: It’s been three years since we had an in-person conference! Studies show that socializing sharpens your memory and cognitive skills and increases your sense of happiness. It also reduces your stress. So come to the conference to see your old friends and make new friends! Is this your first conference? Are you new to the New Jersey library world? No worries. We have plenty of fun events for you to attend! (See reason #3.)
- Programs and events: From our spectacular keynotes, to our program sessions, poster sessions, lunches, and after-hours events, we definitely have something for everyone. We even have a BYOB (bring your own books) brown-bag luncheon. Don’t forget the free ice cream break! If you’re staying overnight, we will have our annual pool party on Thursday night from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Exhibit hall: One of the most important parts of attending the conference is visiting the exhibit hall. Not only do you get free stuff, but you also have many great vendors in one place! If you’re like me and hate doing things over the phone and setting up meetings, then this is the perfect place to be. NJLA has made the process simpler by creating the perfect space to ask all the vendors the pressing questions you may have.
- NJLA store: My favorite, a place where I can purchase fun and fantastic literary items that I need in my life. Need some stationery with the original Alice in Wonderland illustrations printed on them? What about a stuffie for your desk? Or a sassy literacy-inspired mug? I own all of these, thanks to the NJLA store at the conference! These things and more can be yours, because the price is always right!
We are so happy to offer the NJLA Conference in person again. It’s been a rough few years, and I think we all need to have some fun. Register now through May 16 for early bird rates. Note that the rate guarantee for rooms at Harrah’s is earlier (May 10).
“Embrace the Opportunity” to learn new information, see your friends, and have a great time. See you at the conference!
The other programs listed below in this section will be held online:
Digital Literacy Forum
Tuesday-Friday, May 10-13 (10 a.m. to 12 noon each day)
Sponsored by the New Jersey State Library (NJSL).
More information and registration.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the racial, linguistic, and economic disparities in digital equity. Research points out the importance of digital literacy skills for individuals, organizations, and communities. NJSL’s virtual Digital Literacy Forum will foster an open and encouraging environment for NJ libraries to expand their digital literacy services.
- Tuesday, May 10: Bridging the Digital Literacy Gap in Adult Basic Education / English as a Second Language in New Jersey Libraries
- Wednesday, May 11: Career Progress through Digital Skills: Workforce Development and Digital Literacy
- Thursday, May 12: Youth Services and Digital Literacy
- Friday, May 13: Health Literacy and Telehealth
Cybersecurity Basics for Library Staff
Tuesday, May 10 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sponsored by LibraryLinkNJ (LLNJ).
More information and registration.
Join LLNJ and Theresa Misuraca of the NJ Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell for an introduction to the basics of cybersecurity, including tips, strategies, and best practices for handling common threats like social engineering and ransomware. This one-hour webinar will provide valuable information about the cybersecurity threats we may face in our digital workspaces, and practical actions we can take to safeguard our personal and professional information. This is an introductory webinar best suited for library staff in any position looking for exposure to the basics of cybersecurity.
Civil Service and Unions
Sponsored by NJLA’s Library Workers of Color Section and LLNJ.
Human resource consultants Melissa Czaplicki and Zeslyn Wade from the New Jersey Civil Service Commission will present on a variety of topics specific to job titles, promotions, trainings, and more. The program on unions will give attendees a stronger idea of what unions do, why they are important, and how they can get involved. All NJ library workers are welcome to attend.
Let’s Do It! Anti-Racist Pedagogy in the Classroom
Thursday, May 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and Make Us Visible NJ.
Register.
Assimilation has been the modus operandi in the American classroom. Educators often don’t recognize the corrosive effect this has on the identity formation of young people. In this interactive lesson, educators will use three critical lenses described by Ibram X. Kendi in his book How to Be an Antiracist — assimilationist, segregationist, and antiracist — to read, recognize, and gain insight into the tensions between and among these social assumptions in sample poems. A reading list of Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) literature for grades K-12 will be provided. Facilitator: Sima Kumar, educator and board member of Make Us Visible NJ.
Panel Discussion: Make Us Visible NJ
Thursday, May 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sponsored by the LLNJ, the NJLA Diversity & Outreach Committee, and multiple other organizations and libraries.
More information, the full list of sponsors, and registration.
Make Us Visible NJ is a coalition of students, parents, educators, and community members who have advocated for the inclusion of AAPI history in the K-12 curriculum of New Jersey public schools. Join members of Make Us Visible NJ for a panel discussion as they speak about the organization and its successful efforts to bring an AAPI history mandate to NJ schools. Registration is required, but LLNJ membership is not necessary to register.
Centering Community, Building Equity: A Social Justice Approach to Outreach with Families and Children in Underserved Communities
Tuesday, May 17 from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA).
More information and registration.
When to Go Hybrid: Determining Which Format Best Fits Your Program
Wednesday, May 18 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by ALA.
More information and registration.
The Information Professional’s Job Market: Challenges, Trends, and Opportunities
Wednesday, May 25 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sponsored by the New Jersey Community of the Special Libraries Association (SLA).
More information and registration.
Hear the perspectives and experiences of two information professionals and one career management expert as they discuss the current challenges, trends, and opportunities facing those navigating the job market. Topics will include the increasing focus on digital technologies and non-traditional roles for information professionals; the effects of the “Great Resignation”‘; and insights into how job placement and career management fit into this changing work environment. Speaker presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.
Grant-Writing 101: 7 Steps to a Successful Grant Application
Tuesday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sponsored by the NJLA Administration and Management Section.
Register.
The objective of this workshop is to help librarians and directors become more comfortable with the grant-writing process and give them the basic tools to get started on applying for grants. Over $16 billion was freed up in 2020 to help combat the negative setbacks from Covid-19. In difficult circumstances, many libraries had to close and change how they deliver services to the public. Grant funds were and are still available to restore programs and services. This workshop will be led by Patty Anderson of Anderson Consulting Services. She specializes in grant-writing and strategic planning for non-profits.
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Public Libraries and Serving Hispanic Populations in New Jersey
 By Neil Grimes
Education & Curriculum Materials Librarian, William Paterson University of New Jersey
(Email: grimesn@wpunj.edu)
Hispanic people form the fastest-growing ethnic group in America today. In 2015, 56.5 million Latinos, of whom 37.1 million were U.S.-born, accounted for 17.6% of the total U.S. population, marking a ninefold increase since 1960.
In New Jersey, 20.9% of the current population is Hispanic. In Passaic County, Hispanics make up 55% of the total K-12 population.
In this article, we explore how six libraries (including three in Passaic County) have used programming and services to attract and meet the needs of the Hispanic community.
Read the complete article.
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Jacqueline Silver-Morillo Wears Multiple Hats as Librarian and Archivist in Atlantic City
 By Jacqueline Silver-Morillo
Head Reference Librarian, Atlantic City Free Public Library
(Email: jmorillo@acfpl.org)
Position Title: Atlantic City Free Public Library - Head Reference Librarian; Library Archivist (Atlantic City Heritage Collections Archive); Supervisor of the two computer labs; Supervisor of Youth Services and Technical Services; Archivist/Curator of the A.C. Experience museum exhibit at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Tell us a little bit about your current position and what you do.
I oversee all operations of the Atlantic City Heritage Collections Archive, from collecting to acquisitions, processing, preservation, access, outreach, and reference. I have assisted more than 1,600 researchers with local history reference queries and in-depth research. I also manage Reference, Youth Services, and Technical Services, and I curate the A.C. Experience museum exhibit.
As a supervisor I wear many hats, such as resolving patron complaints, to assisting them on computers, to helping them find a book or a movie. Each department requires me to wear a different hat. It is hectic but worthwhile.
 The library received a grant of $128,826 from the National Endowment for the Humanities to implement the “City of Dreams: The Atlantic City Experience” project. My digital archives assistant, Kate Rowland, and I are digitizing over 30 collections that feature dissertations, oral histories, photographs, and biographies that capture the voices of African-Americans who grew up, lived, and worked here in the city.
Did you always envision yourself working in a public library?
Nope, not at all. I loved hanging out in my local public library in the summer as a kid, reading books and researching the local history of my town, but I did not see myself working in a library.
What’s your educational and professional background?
I have a bachelor of arts (B.A.) in English language and literature from Rutgers University, with a minor in history. After graduating, I bounced around different jobs, never really finding my place.
So, I decided to go to graduate school and pursue museology (museum studies). I received my master of arts (M.A.) in museology from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. While I was taking my seminar, I discovered what an archive was and what it could be used for. It was a combination of everything I loved from research, history, museums, libraries, organization, etc.
After graduating from Johns Hopkins, I pursued different positions within museums and ended up getting internship after internship but never really a foot in the door.
I decided to go for another master’s degree. I graduated from Simmons University in 2019 with a master of science (M.S.) in Library and Information Science with a concentration in archival management.
I am lucky enough to be in the position I am in at the AC Library to be able to use all the degrees I have acquired over the years.
 How did you become a supervisor?
It sort of landed in my lap. However, I treat my co-workers as I would want to be treated and it works.
What are your favorite things about your job?
My co-workers are all awesome. I could not do my job if it were not for them. I also love it when I help a researcher or find something that they could not find, and you hear the joy in their voices or see it on their faces. It just makes my day.
What unanticipated challenges have you faced?
I have faced racism a few times, being a woman of color in my position. Many people question my credentials or my ability to do my job.
Do you have any advice for people looking to try a new career path?
I’d say do it. I’ve changed my career path many times, and now I am happy in what I am doing. It took some time, but it is worth it in the end.
What would your ideal career in “library land” look like?
I am kind of living it now, especially since I get to use all my degrees in one place.
Photos: The Entertainment exhibit case of the A.C. Experience exhibit at Boardwalk Hall; Silver-Morillo reading one of her favorite books.
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The Historical and Cultural Context of Ukraine
 By Beth Zak-Cohen
President of NJLA’s History and Preservation Section
Librarian, Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center, Newark Public Library
(Email: bzakcohen@npl.org)
On May 4, 2022, Michael Andrec of the Ukrainian History and Education Center presented a program titled “The Historical and Cultural Context of Ukraine.” This online program, open to all, was organized by the NJLA History & Preservation Section. It was co-sponsored by the NJLA College and University (CUS) Section and the New Jersey Caucus of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC).
The Ukrainian History and Education Center is in Somerset, New Jersey. Its goal is to preserve and promote awareness of Ukrainian heritage throughout the community.
 Andrec discussed how the center has adapted during the crisis in Ukraine, presenting programs and increasing awareness. The goal of this presentation was to present the facts of the history of the current situation in Ukraine.
Specifically, Andrec focused on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Ukraine was always part of Russia. Andrec showed attendees how Ukraine’s historical antecedents were mostly separate from what is now Russia, including a period of Ukraine’s independence from 1917 to 1921.
The audience learned about Ukraine’s history as well as some fun facts. Did you know the Christmas favorite "Carol of the Bells" was originally a Ukrainian melody?
The attendees were quite engaged and had several questions including how the center ended up in Somerset, NJ (the Ukrainian church just liked the area) and how libraries were doing during the Ukrainian crisis (it varies).
 The Ukrainian Center’s speakers and workshops are available to any library and they are flexible with costs. There is also a wealth of information on the center’s website, including resources, virtual programs, and exhibits. If you are near Somerset you can also visit the center and see their current exhibit in person.
To hear about future History and Preservation programs, please use the NJLA website to sign up for our email list (listserv). We are open to all, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone working with archives or local history collections (whether in a library or other setting) to network and meet with others doing similar work.
You can also follow us on our website (which includes our quarterly newsletter) and on Facebook. Thanks to the NJLA CUS Section and the MARAC NJ Caucus for their great support of this program! It was a powerful presentation about an important topic.
Bottom photo: Michael Andrec (at center) at a Ukrainian History and Education Center exhibit.
Small Libraries Unconference
 By Kayla Polt
MLS Intern, Pennsauken Free Public Library
(Email: kaylapolt@aol.com)
The NJLA Small Libraries Section held its 2022 Welcome Back Unconference at the Clark Public Library on April 26. The event was moderated by section President Tanya Finney Estrada.
It was the first time the group had met in person since the beginning of the pandemic, and everyone was so happy to be in each other’s presence again! Every segment of the unconference offered professional development opportunities to all attendees and benefited the small libraries and communities they serve.
The guest speakers were: David Dean from JerseyConnect; Eileen Palmer from the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium; New Jersey’s State Librarian, Jennifer Nelson; and Stephen Felle from the Talking Book & Braille Center of the New Jersey State Library (NJSL). The unconference began with opening remarks by NJLA Executive Director, Juliet Machie. Attendees also had a chance to visit the pop-up NJLA store, which was managed by Cheryl McBride and NJLA President Kate Jaggers.
 Dean, associate director for information technology at NJSL, offered a litany of resources relating to technical assistance for libraries of all sizes. These services include network hosting, cloud storage, remote assistance, wifi management, domain registration, e-rate consultation, and more. Most of these services are “free forever” to New Jersey libraries, Dean said. He gave a couple of live demonstrations: how to create a website on WordPress using a JerseyConnect domain, and how to use remote assistance software to connect with patrons via live chat.
Palmer gave an informative presentation on the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Palmer noted that several federal programs (funds) offered to libraries require CIPA compliance. These include e-rate, the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), and funds provided under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Palmer listed three basic elements to ensure CIPA compliance:
- an internet safety policy.
- a public meeting agreeing to said policy.
- a technology protection measure.
She explained what the internet access policy must address, provided samples of some libraries’ policies, and listed several types of technology protection measures that comply with CIPA. Individual libraries are mostly left to figure out how to comply with these three elements, she said.
 Nelson opened up the floor during her presentation, asking attendees to speak up and converse. Her presentation, “Collecting & Connecting,” spurred conversations about how libraries can continue to make provide access to information through collections. She discussed nurturing a community through the library’s diverse collections, building equity across communities, and promoting health.
Felle promoted the diverse collection and resources available at the New Jersey State Library’s Talking Book & Braille Center, and he explained how librarians can sign up patrons for the center’s services.
Library directors Mary Fran Daley and Janet Torsney held a lively conversation with attendees about what it means to be a director of a small library. Everyone had the opportunity to speak up, and offer their advice, opinion, or a relatable tale. Topics ranged from donations, budgeting, and programming, to different electronic news delivery formats.
Photos: David Dean and Eileen Palmer; Jennifer Nelson and Stephen Felle.
“Well, What Now?” A Successful Series for Mid-Career Librarians
 By Darby Malvey
Programming and Outreach Specialist, LibraryLinkNJ
(Email: darby@librarylinknj.org)
LibraryLinkNJ and NJLA are pleased to announce that the recent “Well, What Now?” series for mid-career librarians successfully provided guidance and offered practical advice for library staff looking to take the next step in their professional journey. Our thanks to the nearly 300 folks who registered for events in this series. The engagement and participation of attendees truly made these programs a success.
Our programming teams are already identifying potential additional PD events on this topic, so keep an eye out for future programs from LLNJ and NJLA about career development, interview and resume skills, and more.
If you missed our “Well, What Now?” series of events, read on for a brief description of the events and links to resources or recordings, where available:
Preparing for Your Library Job Search
Kae Bara Kratcha led attendees in exercises designed to help them prepare for a job search. This webinar covered topics such as organizing your search and writing accomplishment statements. Attendees learned how to reframe tasks and responsibilities as achievements and accomplishments in order to make the most of their resumes, cover letters, and interview responses. Review the recording and presentation materials.
Moves and Transitions: Fulfilling Career Pathways
This panel discussion featuring Deadra (Dee) Brown, Lynn Hoffman, and Chelsea Woods-Turner offered discussion and Q&A. The speakers, who are current and former library staff, offered insight into how they leveraged their professional library experiences to seek new career pathways both within and outside of the library field. Panelists shared advice and tips about how to effectively make changes when you’re ready for that next step.
Understanding Your Personal Brand & Building Leadership
JeanAnn Morgan led this engaging, interactive webinar designed to help library staff understand why personal branding matters and begin to identify their own personal brand. Attendees were introduced to the basics of personal branding and the importance of using that brand to craft one’s own leadership style and presence, in the workplace and beyond. View the recording and access Morgan’s self-assessment exercise here.
LibraryLinkNJ and NJLA want to thank all of our presenters and participants for making this collaborative series a success!
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Eric Schwarz, Newsletter Editor
Chair, NJLA Professional Development Committee
Generalist Librarian (part-time), Englewood Public Library
Librarian (part-time), Berkeley College
Reference Librarian (part-time), Clarence Dillon Public Library
Molly Hone
Assistant Director, Montville Township Public Library
Selwa Shamy
Past Chair, NJLA Professional Development Committee
Assistant Director, Montclair Public Library
Please contact the Professional Development Newsletter Editorial Board (pdnewsletter@njlamembers.org) if you have suggestions or content to contribute.
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Copyright © 2022 New Jersey Library Association. All rights reserved.
Email: pdnewsletter@njlamembers.org
Website: http://njlamembers.org/profdev
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