Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The office oversees four Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) strategically placed across the state to provide families of students with disabilities and educational professionals with information, materials, technical assistance, consultation regarding policies, laws and regulations and best practices in special education.

Services include an educational resource lending library; a self-service production center; and, online, in-person, and in-district professional learning opportunities.

The learning resource centers foster the achievement of all students by supporting students with disabilities, their families, and the educational professionals who work with them as they pursue the goal of increasing opportunities and improving educational outcomes in Special Education.

Services 

The LRC is a membership-based organization that is available to the educators and families of students with disabilities. When you join the LRC, you gain access to the production center, direct support from the OSE specialists, resources from the lending library and more!  

The LRCs maintain and loan an extensive collection of educational resources including:

• Professional Books
• Curriculum Resources
• DVDs
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Educational Games
• Digital eBooks
• Big Books and Story Kits
• Multi-level Instructional Materials

The eBook access is at all centers. For access to eBooks use mackin.com. Enter your membership number and the password that you set up in your patron account using the researcher directions. 

Additional Information:

The LRCs also maintain a collection of assistive technology tools and assessment materials for in-house review.

Did you know that you can explore our library resources online? Browse the LRC collection of resources using our Online Alexandria Researcher. To learn more click on the links provided below. This link brings the patron to the RESEARCHER directions. 

• LRC - South Instructions
• LRC - North Instructions
• LRC - Central Instructions
• LRC - North Satellite Instructions

To place online orders at any of the four centers, please use the following email addresses:

• LRC-NS (Wayne): lrcnsat@doe.nj.gov
• LRC-C (Trenton): LRCCentral.order@doe.nj.gov
• LRC-North (East Orange): lrcnorth.order@doe.nj.gov
• LRC-S (Rowan): Online order form accessed through their website.

Please include your membership number in the email and be specific when placing an order. For example, when you order posters, please specify the size (24x36 or 18x24) and whether you need them. Please do not include links—download and attach the file to your email instead. There is a limit of three (3) orders per week, and please do not place multiple orders in a single day.

Additional Information and Resources:

• LRC-North Ellison Guide
• LRC-North Satellite Ellison Guide
• LRC-Central Ellison Guide
• LRC-South Ellison Guide

Membership

An LRC membership card is required for access to all LRC library resources, events, and production services. Membership expires 12 months from the date of issue. Members must be at least 18 years of age. Membership is only valid for the individual completing the form; you may not submit membership requests for other individuals (friends, relatives, coworkers, etc.). Membership is available to parents, educators, pre-service educators, and those serving students with disabilities. Members agree to be contacted via email and to adhere to all LRC policies.

Please sign in with your membership number upon entering the LRC. Children shall be accompanied by an adult at all times. The LRC does not have childcare provisions. Members are discouraged from bringing their children into the center for prolonged periods of time. Children are not permitted to operate equipment or use scissors, permanent markers, sharpies, etc. They may use crayons only. Children are not permitted to play in the center. LRC staff will request parents to leave with a disruptive child.

Circulation Policies

Members may borrow approximately six (6) materials for a three (3) week period. All materials may be renewed one time - in person, by phone, or online via your Patron Account on our online Researcher for an additional three (3) weeks. Please have your LRC membership number available when you call the circulation desk to renew materials.

Overdue Materials

A fine of five cents ($0.05) per working day may be charged for each overdue material with a maximum charge of two dollars ($2.00) per item. Patrons will be notified of overdue materials by email. When resources are overdue for 30 days or more, patrons may be suspended and may be responsible for the full cost of the overdue materials. Suspended patrons are unable to utilize any LRC Network services or events, including those at other LRC locations, until the suspension is resolved. Fines will be deducted from your $25.00 daily credit.

Lost and Damaged Materials

Materials borrowed from the LRC become the responsibility of the borrower. If materials are lost or returned in damaged condition, the borrower may be required to pay a repair or replacement fee – even if the damage was caused by a student or colleague. LRC borrowing privileges may be suspended until the materials are returned or the replacement cost is paid. Fines are determined by the LRC and can range from repair fees to the full replacement value dependent on the extent of damage.

Please Note: Members who show a repeated pattern of overdue, lost or damaged items may have their borrowing privileges restricted at the discretion of local LRC administration.

Click here for a printable version of the Learning Resource Center Patron Policies. (Updated 2024)

Please contact the appropriate LRC, or the LRC in your area, for more information.