On Thursday, March 27, 1997 approximately 75 library directors, NJIN
representatives, and systems personnel from colleges and universities across New
Jersey met at the Alexander Library of Rutgers University to discuss the potential for
developing a virtual library system for New Jersey academic libraries. Organized by
William Paterson College and hosted by Rutgers University Libraries with support from
the Council of N.J. College and University Library Directors and NJIN, the meeting
focused on key elements important to the creation of a statewide academic electronic
information network developed with possible funding from the proposed Higher
Education Technology Bond Issue.
Dr. John Gaboury, Assistant Vice President for Library Services and Information
Technology at William Paterson College, summarized the current status of the
legislation creating the Higher Education Technology Bond Act and gave an overview of
potential key components of a NJ virtual library system, tentatively called NJAIN: The
New Jersey Academic Information Network. Dr. Gaboury emphasized that many other
states have been highly successful in collaborating on the creation of statewide
electronic library systems which promote the expansion of information resources to all
faculty and students in an efficient, cost-effective manner. He urged the group to work
together to develop a proposal for some of the proposed $5 million earmarked in the
legislation for interinstitutional cooperative projects.
Following Dr. Gaboury's overview, Dr. Philip Long, Director of Instruction,
Research, and Technology at WPC and Dr. Anne Ciliberti, Collection Development
Librarian, also at WPC, outlined several key elements to be considered in a statewide
plan. Dr. Long emphasized the need to ensure that all library collections were
automated and accessible across different automation systems using Z39.50 search
standards. He also stressed the need to develop training and help desk systems for
library users as well as library staff. Dr. Ciliberti discussed the need for the network to
host a suite of core electronic information databases at both the undergraduate and
graduate levels. She stated that the electronic networks developed in other states had
led to significant savings from negotiating statewide licenses and the power of group
purchasing. Dr. Ciliberti also described the need for an electronic document delivery
component such as Ariel, to transmit shared documents and articles via the Internet in
a speedy, cost-effective fashion.
Following the three presentations, a general group discussion followed and
many participants expressed interest in developing the proposed ideas further and
more than 30 participants agreed to work together on the development of an action
plan in the next ninety days.
Further information about this project is available from Dr. John Gaboury at
gabouryj@nebula.wpunj.edu or on the NJAIN Website at /~njain