Poster Sessions

ASL Story Time

Learn about Piscataway Public Library’s American Sign Language (ASL) story times! We’ll share ideas and activities developed over the last 15 years in our successful ASL story times. Join us for tips and suggestions for creating a welcoming and engaging multilingual story time to stimulate and reinforce learning and literacy skills.

Peggy Wong, Piscataway Public Library

BibDataZu: Freeware Cataloging Software

Live demonstration of the freeware cataloging software program, BibDataZu. BibDataZu uses the Z39.50 client-server protocol for information retrieval. I will demonstrate a search of multiple open-access libraries, using the BibDataZu software, and retrieve a MARC record.

James Gross, MSLIS, West Deptford Free Public Library

Breaking Language Barriers with Accessible Books in International Languages

An exploration of the accessible books in international languages offered by the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, from Arabic to Vietnamese! Discover the wide range of resources available in Spanish and other international languages. Learn how to connect people of all ages with print disabilities to a wide range of audiobooks (and even braille!) from NJSL TBBC. Find out about NJSL TBBC’s community engagement initiatives with the Hispanic and Latino population, including outreach and a summer reading program for adults.

Luisa Martucci, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator NJSL Talking Book and Braille Center; Elizabeth Burns, NJSL TBBC

Cataloging AI-thics in Academic Libraries

This poster will highlight the recent research and recommendations on the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) and cataloging in academic libraries. Based on a recent submission (currently under review) for the Journal of Library Metadata Special Issue-“Metadata in Late Capitalism,” the poster will specifically cover the ethical concerns of AI, and how catalogers can ethically fill the gaps between cataloging and the new world of AI, while trying to evolve in their roles and duties without sacrificing job security.

Stephanie Sussmeier, Stockton University

Empowering Personal Transformation: Goal Setting and Accountability at the Library

Piscataway Public Library recently implemented Goal Setting and Accountability Group programs. These programs originated from insights gained through technology appointments and classes, where patrons’ needs extended beyond technical assistance into broader personal and professional goals. Recognizing this gap, we developed a structured program to support individuals in achieving diverse personal goals, fostering community support and individual empowerment. By combining group discussions focused on shared challenges and the goal-setting process with personalized 1:1 sessions for targeted support, participants achieve tangible results.

Heather Lasher, Piscataway Public Library

Enhance Your Summer Reading/Learning Program

Planning your 2025 summer reading/learning program at your library? Need some additional innovative resources from around the state and country to add to your programming, decorating or prize ideas? The statewide summer reading committee will provide you with creative and unique suggestions from museums and other organizations you might not have thought of to make your summer program a huge success.

Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library

Gay All Day, Queer All Year: LGBTQ+ Books Every Day of the Year

LGBTQ+ teens deserve to see themselves reflected in library spaces year-round - not just during Pride Month. Using consistent and intentional approaches to LGBTQ+ representation fosters a welcoming and affirming environment for all patrons. This poster highlights the Big Gay Display—my rotating teen room display that celebrates queer YA books across genres and intersections, ensuring continuous visibility and representation. This poster offers simple and actionable ideas for curating diverse, intersectional displays that extend beyond June, incorporating seasonal themes, intersectional identities, and stretches your creativity for new opportunities to give visibility to LGBTQ+ books. From highlighting queer thrillers during spooky season to showcasing Queer Black Joy stories for Valentine's Day + Black History Month, this poster provides a roadmap to keep the rainbow parade on the move all year long.

Jenna Ingham, Verona Public Library

Latino Oral History: Activist Voices

In 2009, Yesenia Lopez, project archivist for the Puerto Rican Community Archives (PRCA), conducted two substantial oral histories with Dr. Olga J. Wagenheim and Dr. Hilda A. Hidalgo. As part of the Latino Oral History: Activist Voices collection, the oral histories were transcribed but lack of funding halted further processing of the transcripts. After increased interest from researchers to access the interviews, the New Jersey Hispanic Research & Information Center (NJHRIC) is making a concerted effort to finalize the transcripts and make them available.

Dr. Olga J. Wagenheim, Professor Emerita of History at Rutgers-Newark, was always conscious of documenting and saving the history of Latinos in New Jersey. Dr. Wagenheim conducted oral histories of Puerto Ricans in 1980’s Dover, NJ, before oral histories were widely accepted in academia. She also trained undergraduate students to conduct oral histories with Latino community leaders. As she approached retirement, she wanted to create a safe haven for the historical materials she accumulated while teaching. As a result, she cofounded the NJHRIC, with librarian Ingrid Betancourt, at the Newark Public Library with library administration and community support.

Dr. Hilda Hidalgo, professor at Rutgers-Newark, advocated for the community by co-founding several organizations, such as La Casa de Don Pedro, ASPIRA, Inc., and was active in the struggle for LGBT rights. While teaching at Rutgers, she helped create and secure funding for two remarkable master’s programs to train Latino professionals, the Experimental MSW for Bilingual/Bicultural Hispanics and the MPA for Hispanic Administrators.

This poster presentation will include a summary of the oral history project, biographical sketches of both professors, and selected quotes of them recounting their fascinating stories of activism while in academia. Both professors donated their personal papers to the PRCA. Finalizing their transcripts will illuminate even more their contributions to New Jersey history.

The Library and the Funeral Home: an Unlikely Partnership

Opportunities for unlikely partnerships are all around us. One such collaboration began with our search for therapy dog volunteers for our Read to a Dog program. Hear about all the important programs for all ages that have come out of our partnership with a local funeral home and their ambassador “Morris V. Prout”. From informative programs on eco-conscious end-of-life practices to a read-aloud program discussing loss and grief for children, our community has benefited greatly from this improbable community partnership.

Rachael Trotter, Verona Library

Library Career Paths: interview series on NJLA’s YouTube Channel

Are you curious about the diverse landscape of library careers in NJ?

Members of the Professional Development committee have spent the last year conducting interviews with librarians in a wide range of roles who LOVE their jobs. How did they get there? What is their work like day-to-day?

We made these videos with you in mind— whether you’re interested in networking with a librarian who has your dream job, contemplating a career move, choosing an area of study, or just want to expand your knowledge of the field.

Our poster will showcase a selection of the professionals interviewed for our Library Career Paths video series with specializations in business, law, music, medicine, PR & marketing, social media, and archives, as well as a variety of roles in public libraries, academic libraries, and school libraries. The poster will offer highlights of the interviews at a glance, and provide a QR code that will direct viewers to the NJLA YouTube channel.

We look forward to spreading awareness of this resource, and connecting with librarians who have a story to share about their own career paths.

Sensory Story Time: Fun for Everyone

Fun and Fidgets is a monthly sensory story time held by Piscataway Public Library. Fun and Fidgets is designed for children who have difficulty sitting or focusing during a traditional storytime, but is open for anyone to attend. In Fun and Fidgets, the story time is an optional experience, but some participants may choose to explore our sensory table stations instead of or alongside the story time. Fun and Fidgets creates a space where attendees can have fun, explore different sensory stimuli, and express themselves freely. This poster will highlight the importance of interactive story times, sensory activity stations, and other suggestions we have found most successful in our Fun and Fidgets program.

Dana Lauria, Piscataway Public Library

Sowing Knowledge: The Lifecycle of a Library Seed Bank

"Sowing Knowledge: The Lifecycle of a Library Seed Bank" explores how public libraries can cultivate successful seed-sharing programs. From securing donations and building community partnerships to processing, distributing, and promoting seeds, this session provides a roadmap for growing a sustainable, community-driven seed library. Learn how your library can empower patrons to “check out” seeds, nurture local biodiversity, and foster lifelong learning through gardening and seed-saving.

James O'Connor, Library Associate - Gloucester County Library, Student - Rutgers (New Brunswick)

Turning Teen Agitators into Attendees

Do unruly teens overrun your small library after school? (But are mysteriously nowhere to be found for programs?) We’ve been there! Tweens and teens filtering in from the nearby schools after a long day of class to chat and hang out became disruptive to other patrons, and we could only ask them to keep it down so many times. This past school year, we decided this problem was actually an opportunity. By turning our programming room into a “teen cafe” for an hour and a half after school, we’re able to give the teens a space to be a little noisy while still welcome in our library–and everyone else some peace and quiet. Providing games, crafts, lo-fi music, or a movie has enabled us to get to know our teens more, driving up their interest in our programming. It’s been a win-win situation for everyone!

Molly Camera, Pequannock Township Public Library; Julia Fischer, Adult Services Librarian, Pequannock Township Public Library; Stephanie Lodico, Adult Services Librarian, Pequannock Township Public Library

What Lurks in the NJLA Archive?

The NJLA Archive contains a wealth of information that shows the growth and changes that the library profession has faced over the decades. We will share interesting bits of history about the association and the conferences that our librarians have attended for over 100 years. We will also share information about what the Archives & History Committee does and how all NJLA sections and committees can preserve what they have accomplished over the years.

Laura Poll, Middletown Township Public Library; Frederic Pachman, Monmouth Medical Center Altschul Library; Teresa Bayles, Somerset County Library System

AbraCLUBdabra: Programming MAGIC

This poster session is about AbraCLUBdabra, a Club for children ages 6-11, which introduces practical magic tricks that kids can take home and impress friends and family. The club encourages a sense of magical discovery, offering participants the chance to experiment with different types of magic, from close-up tricks, to sleight of hand, and illusion. Beyond being fun, it boosts creativity, communication, and confidence, as children are encouraged to develop their own unique routines and perform for their peers. By participating in AbraCLUBdabra, kids enhance their problem-solving skills, build self-esteem, and learn to collaborate in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Book Banning, Censorship and future teachers

TCNJ researchers are conducting a study on aspiring teachers' readiness to deal with book banning and censorship in their future classrooms. Our preliminary findings show lack of knowledge in the areas of examples of book banning, the subjects/topics most commonly affected by book banning or policies and regulations that govern book banning. During the poster we will point to some of the findings but also offer some solutions on how librarians in school and public libraries can assist their library patrons in educating our communities around book banning.

Ewa Dziedzic-Elliott, TCNJ

Censoring Knowledge: Academic Libraries at the Crossroads of Anti-DEI Legislation and Book Bans

As anti-DEI legislation and book bans gain momentum, academic libraries find themselves at the intersection of politics, policy, and intellectual freedom. This poster explores how recent laws targeting diversity initiatives and restricting access to books impact higher education institutions. Through case studies, legal challenges, and advocacy efforts, we examine the role of academic libraries in resisting censorship, preserving diverse collections, and safeguarding the right to read. Discover innovative strategies libraries are using to navigate these challenges and ensure access to a broad spectrum of knowledge in an era of increasing restrictions.

Satasha Williams, William Paterson University

Elevating Creativity Through The Arts

The poster session will feature creative arts programs that I run at the Livingston Public Library including 2 ongoing monthly events - Crafternoon and Crafterwork, as well as other programs like a chocolate-making workshop, Mother’s Day picnic, Bridgerton inspired tea party, Tiny Art Show, and more.

Ragini Lall, Livingston Public Library

Rutgers Health Sciences Librarians conducted a survey of faculty perception and experiences with publishing Open Access and their awareness of Rutgers University Libraries' Transformative Agreements with selected publishers. One of the goals of the study was to understand what services the library can provide to support the faculty needs in publishing their research in Open Access.

Learning objectives: 1: Participants will be provided with an overview of the study's methodology and key findings. 2: Participants will gain insights into the library services and support that faculty expect to effectively publish Open Access.

Maria Deptula, Rutgers University; Mina Ghajar, Rutgers University

Fostering Library Engagement with Self Directed Programs

In this poster session I will show you how to plan and execute easy, fun programs (including mini art challenges & scavenger hunts) that have become very popular with our patrons. These programs are budget friendly, require very little in terms of planning and engage with youths ages four to sixteen. The scavenger hunts (which adds between 25 - 60 patrons monthly to my statistics) have been so successful that I am constantly being asked when the next hunt will begin. The programs highlighted here could be done in rotation either seasonally, monthly or quarterly.

Launching a Library Micro-Credential

Our Academic Library launched its own Micro-Credential program in the fall of 2023. The LEARN (Library Engagement and Research Needs) Badge is a student-focused digital badge offered through the university’s larger LEADS (Learn Engage Advocate Develop Serve) Badge program. This poster will outline the design and launch of the LEARN Badge and provide an overview of badge development including badge curriculum, program implementation, and statistics from the first year.

Gary Marks, William Paterson University

Let's Get Physical: The Importance of Maintaining a Physical Collection of Audiovisual Media in the Age of Streaming

As many libraries have begun to weed out large portions or even all of their audiovisual collections due to the prevalence of streaming, this session will demonstrate how such decisions are not only counterintuitive to the purpose of a library but also downright dangerous in terms of how they hinder free, public access to these materials and, in many documented cases, enable censorship to go unnoticed.

John-Paul Cirelli, Cranford Public Library

This Spring semester, a small team of Fairleigh Dickinson University librarians organized and facilitated a usability study of our online research & subject guides. Bringing in undergraduate and graduate students from our different campuses, we tested how students navigate these guides to identify and locate a variety of library resources and information. Our poster will provide insight into the planning behind the usability study, challenges and observations from conducting the study on Zoom, and key takeaways from the study that can be utilized to make LibGuides more navigable.

David Biel, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Nicole Potdevin, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Patricia Miraglilo, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Leanne Minkoff, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Michele Nestory, Fairleigh Dickinson University

New Jersey Academic Librarians

This poster promotes the Academic Librarians section of NJLA, including its committees, special interest groups, events & accomplishments.

Maria Deptula, Rutgers University

Not Just Outreach: Information Literacy Instruction on Social Media

This poster will share the use of social media as an instructional tool outside of traditional classroom instruction at Fairleigh Dickinson University. The posts shared include a wide range of subjects pertaining to information literacy, focusing on the history of information, navigating information systems, and looking at information with a critical lens. This poster will present examples and guidance for integrating information literacy into your social media planning, whether that be at a public or academic library.

Angelina Carney, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Colleen Fischer, Research & Instruction Librarian, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Special Needs Social Hour

The Special Needs Adults population is an underserved audience. At the Burlington County Library, we host a monthly Special Needs Social Hour program designed to enhance social skills and foster creativity and learning for adults with special needs (18+). We will discuss program structure and share some of the activities that are inclusive and adaptable such as arts and crafts, music, story telling, sensory play as well as simple group games that were successful and accommodating for different ability levels.

Ceciley Binegar, Librarian, Burlington County Library

Summit Free Public Library hosts Banned Book Readout

Since 2021, Summit Free Public Library has hosted a Banned Books Readout during Banned Books Week. The program began as an extension of the library's successful teen volunteer program. Moderated by renowned English Professor Dr. Jocelyn Chadwick and co-sponsored by the Youth Services Department and the Adult Services Department, Dr Chadwick engages the teens in fantastic discussions on their chosen books. The partnership has led to an intergenerational audience listening to the volunteers' chosen excerpts and opinions about their books.

Ann-Marie Aymer, Summit Free Public Library; Rebecca Cohan, Reference Librarian, Summit Free Public Library

Supporting LGBTQ+ Patrons: Benefits of an LGBTQ+ Special Populations Group

This poster session will highlight the benefits of establishing an LGBTQ+ special populations group within a county library system. A designated group such as this can foster a supportive and collaborative environment for staff, while also providing opportunities to create valuable resource directories, book lists, and organize meaningful events such as the Pride Prom SCLSNJ hosted in 2024. These initiatives help support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a safe space that encourages connection, education, and inclusivity in the library.

Alyssa Titus, Somerset County Library System - Somerville branch; Laura Curry, Somerset County Library System - Manville branch 

Youth Mindfulness Library Programs

Natalie Ehnis and Kaitlyn Yingst host engaging mental health-based programs that integrate mindful practices for various age groups at the Montgomery Branch of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey. These programs have been aged down for grades Pre-K to 3, as well as aged up for grades 4 to 8. There is some crossover between Mindfulness for Kids (younger grades) and Mindfulness for Tweens (older grades) with interactive, informational techniques, such as self-reflection, and gentle movement practices on yoga mats. The children’s program includes reading aloud from nonfiction and picture book materials that include a yoga flow and story to follow along with, ending with a guided meditation. Meanwhile the tween program begins with a few rounds of Sun Salutations and/or Guided Meditation before engaging in a relaxing craft. Both programs utilize take-home sheets so the mindfulness doesn’t end in the library and goes home with the patrons. The kids’ take-home sheets always provide a “Mindfulness Tip of the Day” and breathing exercise that varies for each session. Along with a coloring sheet and tips that lead to a library resource or database for additional easy-to-locate mindfulness activities. The most recent “Mindfulness Tip of the Day” was entitled “Happy Place” and provided educational steps for making or discovering their own mental happy place. After reading through the steps, a large blank space allowed for creative expression - drawing or writing - about their newfound happy place. The tween take-home sheets are elevated by a more intricate coloring page with breathing, movement, and writing exercises that vary session by session. The most recent Relaxation Techniques were “Breathing: Take-Five Method”, “Movement: Seated Half Crescent Pose”, and “Write: Your Inner Peace Place” to encourage different forms of mindful practices wherever they go.

Katie Yingst, SCLSNJ; Natalie Ehnis, Youth Services Librarian, SCLSNJ