2. What is it?
Highlands Regional Library Cooperative (HRLC) is a non-profit organization that is supported by funding to the New Jersey Library Network from the NJ State Legislature and the New Jersey State Library, an Affiliate of Thomas Edison State College.
It believes that libraries that work together accomplish a lot more than those that compete with one another.
It aims to offer the best library services and act as a leader in getting libraries ready for the future.

3. What does it do?
HRLC maintains a practical website that fosters alliances among more than 950 public, educational, medical, and corporate member libraries across Bergen, Passaic, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey.
The website acts a vehicle for
disseminating information
exchanging resources and ideas
coordinating activities
promoting information literacy

4. Information & Services Provided
An advertisement-free streamlined listserv where members can pose questions and exchange library related information
Printable mailing labels and details for HRLC’s free delivery service for interlibrary loan materials acquired through Jersey Cat, the statewide online catalog

5. Information & Services Provided
Continued
Youth Services Committee
A monthly calendar of youth service events
Statewide Book Evaluation Program
150 word review of a book
Meetings throughout the year to discuss reviews
Links to other youth service resources like

6. Information & Services Provided
Continued
A quarterly newsletter for members that reports on regional and statewide programs and events

7. Information & Services Provided
Continued
A Vendor Discounts link, which shows visitors how to access 30 free and reduced-cost databases and reference tools like :
EBSCO
Facts on File
Gale Custom Newspapers
Newspapers 9
ProQuest's Research Library
World Book Online
Savings can be 20% or more

8. Information & Services Provided
Continued
Online registration for continuing education and technical how-to courses on topics like the following:
getting community members to value and recognize the contributions their libraries make
setting up wireless access
incorporating differentiated instruction
becoming a Super Library Supervisor
implementing differentiated instruction
mastering Microsoft Office 2003, Excel, Publisher, Dreamweaver, and Web 2.0
Cost:
Some workshops are free
$25.00-$100.00

9. Information & Services Provided
Continued
Technical Training Housecalls program
An instructor will come to a school and lead a workshop on subjects like: Excel, HTML, computer troubleshooting, Word or Publisher
Cost (per student)
$25.00/half day
$50/full day
$100/two full days
Over 100 training videos on subjects like customer service, library law, and book repair to improving supervisory skills and answering difficult reference questions

10. Evaluation
The website was quite easy to navigate, especially through the site map link.
The detailed descriptions on each of its programs and departments exceeded my expectations.
All information was current, and there were only a couple of dead links out of the hundreds available.
School libraries, to offset the under funding of their budgets, should take advantage of the free/low cost workshops, databases, resource links and materials offered through the website.

11. Interesting?
HRLC’s downloadable audio book project through
Started on July 5, 2006
Approximate cost for a school $1200
Great for community members, teachers, and students--especially the ESL population
Public relations contest sponsored by the Marketing and Public Relations Committee
Come up with a creative way to market your library
Flyer, brochure, button, keychain, website, blog
Deadline is December 22, 2006 Previous winners

12. Resources Highlands Regional Library Cooperative. (2006).
Retrieved November 14, 2006, from
Shutterstock, Inc. (2006).
Retrieved November 13, 2006, from