N.J. Admin. Code § 15:24-1.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 15:24-1.1 - Purpose and scope

(a) All people of New Jersey should have equitable access to New Jersey public library facilities, collections, technological resources, and services regardless of age, color, race, religion or creed, gender or sexual preference, socioeconomic level, or disability.

1. This chapter describes a physical space, a public library, and the development of materials (collections and resources) and activities (services) that are integral to the use of that space. The kinds of services offered within that space are critical to the people of New Jersey. The library might provide the technology to help residents bridge the digital divide by utilizing computers and electronic resources. It might provide the space for public forums on important civic topics, art shows, or musical entertainment, or for lectures on topics of community interest. A public library might also foster participation in the joys of reading for each member of a family.

(b) The purpose of this chapter is to improve New Jersey's public library facilities to ensure the well-being and success of New Jersey's residents. Today's public libraries offer the residents of New Jersey critical education, training, and civic services, which are more cost-effectively provided through modern, technologically current buildings with flexible spaces adaptable to many types of programs and services.

1. To support this need, the State is distributing funding to communities seeking to improve and expand their access to resources, including technology. This subsection describes the procedures and criteria for communities to apply for and receive funding. Broadly speaking, the State's priorities for this funding are:

i. Construction and rehabilitation to further access to library services with an emphasis on equal access for all people to easily use library resources and services;

ii. Enhancement of public libraries to serve as public spaces and community centers in which people engage and interact for civic, educational, informational, and recreational purposes;

iii. Optimization of the technological infrastructure to promote access to the Internet, electronic resources, and instruction in their use(s) helping all people to bridge the digital divide; and

iv. Growth in critical public library services available to the citizens of New Jersey (including those that support education, employment, welfare, job training, career assistance, college preparation, securing government assistance, and civic services).

(c) Applicants are invited to submit applications that address one or more of these Statewide priorities. Project applications will be evaluated on the means by which the projects are aligned with the Statewide priorities listed in this section and the "primary criteria," which articulate basic eligibility for funding pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:24-2.7(a).

(d) Given the past decade of disinvestment in the State's libraries, and the two decades since the State's last program investing in public library construction, the State Librarian may seek to administer a phased solicitation process awarding funds in more than one round in order to most effectively respond to the needs around New Jersey and dedicate bond resources accordingly.

N.J. Admin. Code § 15:24-1.1

Adopted by 51 N.J.R. 1610(a), effective 11/4/2019