Legislative Priorities & Budget Priorities, FY2012
New Jersey's Libraries: Partners in Economic Development, Cornerstones of Community Life Libraries are essential. Insuring that the residents of New Jersey have strong, relevant library services to meet the challenges of the 21st century and aid the economic recovery requires a funding partnership between local libraries and the state of New Jersey.
STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
- Passage of A3240 to provide a dedicated line on the property tax bill to fund free public libraries and
joint free public libraries. Passed unanimously in Senate as S2068.
- Passage with amendments of A2679/S716 to establish in statute a dissolution process of public
libraries.
- Opposition of A2555 or any efforts to diminish the current funding laws for public libraries.
STATE BUDGETARY PRIORITIES
In FY2011 State funding for Library programs was reduced by 43%. The regional service model was
consolidated, resources eliminated and direct aid to libraries reduced to the lowest level in decades.
PRESERVATION OF NEW JERSEY LIBRARY NETWORK FUNDING AT THE CURRENT LEVEL OF $4.199 MILLION IS CRUCIAL.
- For over 20 years, the New Jersey Library Network has linked libraries of all types throughout the state by
sharing resources and realizing economies of scale. Strong public support is evident for the valuable services
provided at the local level through this efficient and cost effective model. Renewed funding is necessary to
maintain the benefits of shared services and fulfill maintenance of effort requirements for federal funding.
For FY12 the New Jersey Library Association endorses continuance of New Jersey Library Network funding
and restoration of funds for several important library initiatives which have demonstrated positive impact on
local library services. Studies have shown that library programs have an extremely high return on investment.
The total funding request for the NJ Library Network and these state-wide initiatives, which can not be
replicated or replaced at the local level, is $17.875 million.
These endorsed state-wide initiatives are:
TO RESTORE FUNDING TO THE FY2010 LEVEL OF THE STATE'S COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH THE STATE PER CAPITA AID PROGRAM
- The State Per Capita Library Aid program is a direct partnership between local libraries and the state. State
Aid is awarded to municipalities for library purposes based on local funding. This is direct aid to every local
library. Funding of $7.176 million would restore this program to the 2010 level. Current funding has been
reduced to $3,676,000. To fulfill the commitment to the state per capita aid program we seek an additional
$3.5 million.
TO SAFEGUARD AND PRESERVE LIBRARY SERVICE IN OUR URBAN CENTERS DURING THIS ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, WHERE PER CAPITA SPENDING IS FAR BELOW STATE OR NATIONAL AVERAGES FOR THOSE WHO MOST NEED AND USE LIBRARIES TO IMPROVE AND
EMPOWER THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
- New Jersey's urban centers have been hardest hit in this recession and the effects on Libraries and residents
have been devastating. Hours and services have been slashed and numerous Library branches have closed.
Historically urban library funding has been above the minimum level but in this economy urban areas do not
have the discretionary funds to maintain adequate funding. Our urban centers do not have the ratable base to
provide sustainable library services at the minimum funding levels. Library service in our population centers
must be preserved during this downturn through transitional funding. $5 million dollars is sought to implement
these urban library safeguards based on populations served, funding levels and other criteria to be established
and administered by the New Jersey State Library.
THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATE-WIDE VIRTUAL LIBRARY THAT WILL PROVIDE E-GOVERNMENT SERVICES, RESOURCES AND REFERRALS TO NEW JERSEY'S RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.
- In response to technological advances and to further increase efficiency and expand access, current statewide
electronic Library resources and online tools must be maintained and expanded to serve the greatest
numbers at the lowest cost. Electronic and virtual resources and E-government services will have greater
impact and benefit to the residents of New Jersey if accessible through a virtual library that can seamlessly be
melded into the local library's electronic service offerings. $1.5 million is sought to develop the structure and
content of a state-wide virtual library.
LOCAL FUNDING PRIORITIES
- Strong library services are a critical factor in enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of our state.
Library resources provide vital educational and economic opportunities for the residents of New Jersey. It is
fundamentally important to have strong local libraries which can expand services to residents through the
availability of statewide library resources and through resource sharing agreements.
- Public library funding is approximately 2% of a local property owner's total tax bill. It represents approximately
$33 of tax support on a $100,000 home. Over 90% of public library support is from local tax resources. NJLA
will oppose any efforts to diminish the current funding law for public libraries and will support efforts to assist
municipal governments by removing public library expenditures form the Property Tax Levy Cap law.
The residents of New Jersey support funding for public libraries. In April of 2010, over 80,000
residents signed postcards and 60,000 sent emails to their legislators to restore funding for state-wide
library services. The highest priority of the New Jersey Library Association is to maintain strong
support for public library services.
NEW JERSEY LIBRARY QUICK FACTS
- A survey of New Jersey residents completed in June 2007 revealed that 83% say funding public
libraries is a good investment of public dollars.
- 71% of New Jersey residents believe that a public library is an essential service for the community.
- More than 4.6 million items were shared among Libraries during 2009 through the New Jersey Library
Network funded Inter-Library Loan system, and increase of 21% over 2008.
- Lending of materials through New Jersey Libraries increased 7% in 2009, to nearly 64 million items.
- New Jersey residents made more than 51 million visits to their Libraries in 2009.
- Public Internet computers in New Jersey Libraries were used more than 11 million times.
Adopted by the NJLA Executive Board Oct. 19, 2010
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