Find all NJLA news, updates, statements, and committee and section newsletters here.
The New Jersey Library Association is very distressed by the recent and sudden closure of the Orange Public Library. We strongly believe that the residents of Orange, a major urban center, must have access to library services in their community. Residents of Orange pay taxes for library... Continue Reading
A National Security Letter (NSL) is a kind of administrative subpoena the FBI can issue to itself to compel the disclosure of customer records held by libraries, banks, telephone companies, Internet Service Providers, and others. NSLs contain nondisclosure requirements ("gag" provisions) that... Continue Reading
The New Jersey Library Association affirms the right of each individual, regardless of age, to open inquiry, and to read, view, listen and use resources without fear of scrutiny by others. NJLA POLICY ON CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS Confidentiality exists when a library is in possession... Continue Reading
NJLA occasionally receives questions about whether or not library boards can meet and/or conduct business electronically. NJLA believes that it is a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act for library boards to meet electronically. NJLA also reminds boards that all electronic communication... Continue Reading
Whereas, the Members of the New Jersey Library Association are increasingly concerned by the actions of publishers to restrict, embargo or withhold content from US libraries. Whereas, over the last year 4 major publishers have adopted policies that negatively impact the ability of... Continue Reading
New Jersey's confidentiality of library records law may not apply to electronic content. Background Statement: Libraries have a longstanding commitment to protecting the privacy of their customers. Records of physical books checked out are currently protected by law. However, in other... Continue Reading
NJLA supports the use of public spaces in libraries for a wide variety of activities. Libraries may limit certain services and resources to residents and cardholders, but should in all other respects welcome members of the public into their public spaces without inquiring into the... Continue Reading
In support of free access to information as traditionally endorsed by NJLA, libraries should not impose obstacles or conditions that would discourage or impede individuals from entering and using the library. Libraries that choose to implement security procedures involving patron searches are... Continue Reading
The New Jersey Library Association advocates that all communities and elected officialsfund urban public libraries at levels above the statutory minimum, which will allow theseinstitutions to provide necessary and effective services for all residents of the state. Economic... Continue Reading
The New Jersey Library Association and the New Jersey Library Trustee Association provided funding for Grayson Barber, Esq. to develop this document regarding unattended children in New Jersey public libraries. This document is provided as background information on this topic and for the benefit... Continue Reading
"The New Jersey Library Association’s position is that library service established by referendum may only be dissolved by referendum.” Adopted by the NJLA Public Policy Committee Feb. 5, 2010Adopted by the NJLA Executive Board March 16, 2010 Continue Reading
For over 100 years, the people of New Jersey have recognized and supported public library service as a common social good. Through the passage of referenda, which guarantee that a small percentage of a community's budget is utilized for the support of library services, public library... Continue Reading
