New Jersey launches library network for AI skills and workforce training

Five library systems will receive curriculum and support to deliver programs for residents, job seekers, and small businesses.

The NJ AI Library Learning Network will begin with five library systems delivering AI programs for residents, job seekers, and small businesses

The New Jersey AI Hub, LibraryLinkNJ, and the New Jersey State Library have launched the NJ AI Library Learning Network, a statewide initiative that will use public libraries to deliver artificial intelligence literacy and workforce skills programs.

Five library systems will take part in the first phase. They will receive training, curriculum, resources, and ongoing support to provide practical AI learning opportunities within their communities.

The initial offer will cover three areas: AI for All, AI for Jobseekers, and AI for Small Business. The sessions will support residents seeking a basic understanding of AI, people preparing for work or career progression, and small business owners considering how the technology could be used in their operations.

The New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, is working with LibraryLinkNJ and the New Jersey AI Hub on the initiative. Microsoft TechSpark is also supporting the program.

Five library systems join first phase

The NJ AI Library Learning Network will provide participating libraries with materials and technical support rather than asking each system to develop AI training independently.

Under the AI for All strand, libraries will offer introductory learning for residents seeking to understand how AI works and how it is being used. AI for Jobseekers will focus on employment and career-related applications, while AI for Small Business will support local business owners.

The New Jersey AI Hub said the programming would promote confident and responsible use of AI. The first five systems will provide an initial test of how library-based AI learning can be delivered across communities with different employment, education, and business needs.

Library network provides statewide route to communities

LibraryLinkNJ represents libraries and related organizations across all 21 New Jersey counties, covering a state population of approximately 8.79 million people.

The nonprofit cooperative has more than 1,100 voting representatives from over 2,500 public, school, academic, institutional, corporate, health sciences, and specialist libraries and library-related agencies.

LibraryLinkNJ membership is free, with services funded by the New Jersey State Library. Its existing network gives the NJ AI Library Learning Network a route into local communities without creating a separate training infrastructure.

Public libraries will act as the delivery points for the first phase, extending AI learning beyond universities, employers, and commercial training providers.

The initiative also gives libraries a role in supporting workforce readiness and small business capacity as AI tools become more common in recruitment, workplace tasks, customer service, and business administration.

NJ AI Hub connects education and workforce partners

The New Jersey AI Hub was established through a partnership involving Princeton University, the State of New Jersey, Microsoft, and AI infrastructure provider CoreWeave.

Its remit covers AI research and development, workforce preparation, startup and business support, responsible deployment, and collaboration between education, industry, government, and the public sector.

The library initiative extends that work into community education. It will connect the hub’s technology and workforce priorities with institutions that already provide local access to information, digital services, and learning support.

Thomas Edison State University brings experience in online and adult education to the partnership. The university is one of New Jersey’s 11 senior public higher education institutions and offers degree and certificate programs across more than 100 areas of study.

Microsoft’s involvement includes its role as a founding partner of the New Jersey AI Hub and support for the library network through Microsoft TechSpark.

The first phase will concentrate on the five selected library systems and the three program areas. The partners have not announced when the participating libraries will be identified or when the first AI learning sessions will begin.