The Wednesday Word: Library News from Around Indiana

The Indiana State Library sent a release yesterday highlighting the talented new staff at the Indiana State Library and the promotion of Wendy Knapp to Associate Director of Statewide Library Services. Notably, we mentioned the revamped Professional Development Office (PDO) team that includes a new fourth regional consultant.

The PDO supports libraries around the state in the advancement and development of library staff in all Indiana libraries for improved services to the citizens of Indiana. The PDO includes specialists in the areas of programming, children’s services, continuing education opportunities, and services available from the Indiana State Library. Feel free to share your staff's professional development needs by contacting the PDO and we can work with you to schedule educational workshops at your library and online.

Also, just as the PDO brings professional development opportunities to your library, the State Library public services staff also offers several workshops designed to engage your patrons. Our speaker's bureau covers topics from genealogy to historic preservation and from federal and state documents and manuscripts to unique collections featuring history's most notable and entertaining Hoosiers. Please ask us how we can provide engaging and informative programs in your community.

ALA-OITP Wants You to Join the Digital Literacy Conversation

On November 14th and December 11th at 7:00 p.m. (EST), ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) and its Digital Literacy Task Force will host the next two conversations (of a continuing series) that explore the role of libraries in supporting and deepening digital literacy skills development for students, the general public and colleagues in other professions.

The topic of the November 14th virtual conversation is Creating a Culture of Learning: How Librarians Keep up with Digital Media and Technology. The third virtual conversation Assessing Digital Literacy: Outcomes and Impact will take place December 11th. This series is intended to create a forum for discussing key issues and developing a vision for continued library leadership in the digital literacy sphere. The first conversation in the series took place at the ALA Annual Conference and focused on defining digital literacy and designing “what comes next.”

For more information about the conversations and registration information, please view this announcement by the OITP.

OITP, LITA Seek Submissions for Cutting-edge Technology Practices

The OITP, along with the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) are looking for public, school, college/university libraries, library consortia and coops, and state libraries that are using cutting edge technology to develop and deliver impactful library services and programs. Through November 6th, OITP and LITA are accepting nominations for best library practices using cutting-edge technology.

Library Mailing to Feature New Inspire Promotional Items

Starting today, the State Library is distributing a new public library mailing containing useful information, 2013 Summer Reading Collaborative Manuals and special Inspire promotional materials. School libraries on INfo Express will also receive Inspire items. Additionally, mailings to Evergreen Indiana libraries will include promotional items celebrating the consortium's 100th library milestone.

School, academic or special libraries not on INfo Express can always request Inspire promotional items via the Inspire helpdesk.

Welcome New Library Directors

Please join the Indiana State Library in welcoming these new public library directors from around the state:

Faith Brautigam, Director, Kokomo-Howard County Public Library

June Kreuer, Director, Charlestown Public Library

Karen Rees, Interim Director, Dunkirk Public Library

Best of luck to you all!

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

Dealing with Challenging Patrons
When: November 2 @ 11:00 AM
Where: Live Online

International Games Day
When: November 3

Bookkeeping & Annual Report Workshop
When: November 7
Where: Live Online

Evergreen Indiana Admin/Reports Training
When: November 9 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Kendallville Public Library

ILF Annual Conference
When: November 12-14
Where: Indiana Convention Center, Downtown Indianapolis

Institutional Libraries Fall Workshop
When: November 13
Where: Indiana State Library

Bookkeeping & Annual Report Workshop
When: November 15
Where: Live Online

Book Club Basics
When: November 16 @ 11:00 AM
Where: Roanoke Public Library

Marketing Your Library's Physical Space
When: November 16 @ Noon
Where: Roanoke Public Library

View free LEU
opportunities from:

News & Notes

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 AM.

The Indiana State Library will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 6 (Election Day) and Monday, Nov. 12 (Veterans' Day).