New Jersey Library Funding Cuts "Only" 43 Percent
Most databases preserved, but per capita state aid cut in half, regional networks consolidated. By Norman Oder Jul 9, 2010After the proposed 74% cut in state support for libraries in New Jersey generated a groundswell of protest, the result has been a 43% cut, a reduction of $6.1 million. This decidedly mixed result includes a halving of per capita state aid to libraries and the consolidation of four regional networks into one.
"We've lived to fight another day," Pat Tumulty, executive director of the New Jersey Library Association, told LJ. "This is a way of keeping our programs going."
"To All The Library Supporters Who Made Your Voices Heard, Thank you, you did it!" NJLA said on its advocacy site, Save MY NJ Library. "$4.299 Million was restored in the New Jersey Budget for library programs!"
The $4.3 million restored (out of the proposed $10.4 million cut) will support crucial services such as most databases, interlibrary loan, and the JerseyConnect Internet system. Nor will Thomas Edison State College, the distance learning institution that also houses the New Jersey State Library (NJSL), be merged with the New Jersey State Museum and governed by Rutgers University.
New federal funds
Crucially, sufficient money was restored—especially for JerseyConnect—for the State Library to get a $5.1 million federal broadband grant, supplemented by $1.5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; add computers at 124 libraries; upgrade connectivity at 79 libraries; and provide job search assistance, employment skills, workforce development programs and other online resources at 365 libraries across New Jersey.
While the broadband grant does not replace state funds lost, it allows local libraries to improve connectivity, and positions the state library to work with consortium of New Jersey's community colleges to train library staff and job seekers. Also, residents will gain access to online content and training developed by New Jersey Network, the state public broadcasting network.
Taking some hits
However, the four regional library cooperatives, which have operated for 25 years, will be consolidated into one: INFOLINK. Discontinued are the JerseyClicks federated search and GALCO (Get a Library Card Online). Much technical assistance and training have been cut, as have pilot projects innovated by the State Library.
When the statewide delivery contract expires in December, there is a "possible loss of frequency," according to a presentation from State Librarian Norma Blake.
While the number of jobs losses is unclear, Blake indicated that the Library Development Bureau has eliminated two positions and the Law Library has eliminated one position in FY 2011.
Tumulty acknowledged that, while libraries were among the few programs that saw significant restoration during the legislative session, many were not starting as far in the hole.
"We're still fighting an uphill battle," she said, noting that state funding is relatively low. "Having said that, the programs we support through state funding are the programs that join our libraries together."
The 43% reduction, she agreed, was not in line with other programs, most of which took a 15-20% cut. The governor's office, she says, told library advocates that they started with programs deemed necessary and cut from library programs, which were seen as "discretionary."
"Fortunately," she said, "many of the public responded."
Looking at the details
According to a Q&A from Blake, while the State Library intends to fund the databases through June 2011, if mid-year budget cuts are requested "we may have to re-examine our priorities to determine what would have the least impact on the library community."
The JerseyClicks federated search will be replaced with individual links to the databases to be placed on each library's home page, and librarians will be trained regarding those connections. As for authentication for remote use, the library is talking to its vendors.
The state library has seven vacancies; union raises due in January "could trigger more position losses."
Instead of maintaining a statewide regional cooperative, why not have the State Library offer statewide services? "We are having one region which could be called a statewide cooperative to preserve the structure so that when money is easier to get we can add again one or more regional offices," Blake responded.
