View the Wednesday Word Online
The Wednesday Word: News from the Indiana State Library

In This Issue

  1. Revised Public Library Standards Adopted by ILHB
     

  2. Talking Book Library Now Offers Downloadable Books
     

  3. AASL Releases School Libraries Count! Report

More Library News:

Associated Press
Libraries More Wired, Financially Stressed
Associated Press

Stead, Pinkney win children's book awards
Batesville Herald Tribune

Another awesome library series coming
Evansville Courier & Press

Evansville Library's Amnesty Month proving to be a success
Greencastle Banner Graphic

Still time to reduce library fines, give back to community
Greenfield Reporter

Sugar Creek library will expand
Indianapolis Business Journal

Lincoln Collection raises $6.9 million to care for artifacts
Indianapolis Star

Planning Begins on Library Expansion
Indianapolis Star

Museum unveils Lincoln collection in Feb.
Northwest Indiana Times

Deadlock over site for C.P. library persists
Northwest Indiana Times

Library director starts a new page in life
Perry County News

Library officials examine circulation systems
Terre Haute Tribune Star

After budget cuts and closings, business is booming at the Vigo Co. P.L.’s main branch
Terre Haute Tribune Star

Vigo Library to join colleges’ catalog system
Vincennes Sun-Commercial

Knox Co. PL hosting Harry Potter World exhibit

Your library making news?

Email your news to Drew Griffis for
inclusion in The Wednesday Word.

Reference Hotline

866-683-0008   *    eReference

Important Links:

Indiana State LibraryWebJunction Indiana
INSPIRE: Indiana's Virtual Library

-------------------------------

Become a fan of the State Library on Facebook    Follow the State Library on Twitter

Revised Public Library Standards Adopted by ILHB

Public Library StandardsThe Indiana Library & Historical Board on January 15, 2010 voted unanimously to adopt revised public library standards that take effect on January 1, 2011. The revised standards focus on enhancing public library patrons’ access to online services and library collections. Most notably:

  • Access to Online Catalogs – This standard addresses the need for every library to have a functional website with an online library catalog that can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet. The Indiana State Library provides a free website service (Access Point) and free online catalog system (Evergreen Indiana) to assist libraries in meeting this standard.
     
  • Public Access Terminals – Public libraries will provide public access computers with a minimum Internet connection speed of 1.5 MBps per fixed location. Libraries will also meet a minimum amount of accessible public assess terminals determined on the class (based on population served) of the library.
     
  • Free Statewide Interlibrary Loan – Patrons will have access to holdings of other Indiana public libraries free of charge (other than reimbursement for direct photocopy and postage costs) via statewide or local reciprocal borrowing agreements.
     
  • Minimum Hours of Service – Libraries will be open to the public at least 20 (Class C) to 55 (Class A) hours a week and maintain a minimum amount of evening (after 6:00 p.m.) and weekend hours.
The revised standards were drafted by the Public Library Standards Committee, which consisted of representatives from the State Library, Indiana Library Trustee Association and the Indiana Public Library Association. Visit http://www.in.gov/library/standards.htm for more information and the latest copy of new standards rules.

Talking Book Library Now Offers Downloadable Books 

By Autumn Gonzalez, Indiana Talking Book & Braille Library Supervisor

Indiana Talking Book & Braille LibraryThe Indiana Talking Book and Braille Library recently unveiled enhanced services as part of the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) program from National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).  BARD enables registered patrons to download over 22,000 digital books and over 40 digital magazines directly from the program’s website.

Anyone registered as an Talking Book patron can have access to BARD after completing the online application. The service does require a high-speed internet connection from home or through the patron’s local public library and a NLS-authorized digital book player and flash drive cartridge. Most, but not all, commercial USB flash drives are also compatible. 

Patrons interested in joining the Talking Book Library program can visit our official website for registration and eligibility information. Additional questions about BARD or other Talking Book services may be directed to 1-800-622-4970 or LBPH@library.in.gov

AASL Releases School Libraries Count! Survey Results

 

American Association of School LibrariansThe American Association of School Librarians (AASL) recently released the “School Libraries Count! National Longitudinal Survey of School Library Media Programs.” The report found that although school library media centers increased their hours and collections, a majority of schools received less funding for information resources in 2009, compared to 2008.  Results from 5,824 respondents consisted of both public and private schools varying in enrollment size, location, and school level.

 

The report also found that school libraries are open more hours per week yet there was no increase in the average number of school library media specialists. School library collections also grew modestly, except in the periodical subscription area where there was a large 29% increase. Additionally, investment into networked computers and remote access significantly tapered off last year. School librarians also increased time spent planning and instructing last year, while spending the an equal amount of time on budgeting.

More information and full survey results are available for download on the AASL's website.

The Wednesday Word is a free publication produced by the Indiana State Library, distributed weekly in an electronic format. Past issues are archived at www.in.gov/library/newsroom.htm

© 2010 Indiana State Library. All rights reserved. The trademarks used herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Indiana State Library, 315 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. www.library.IN.gov