In This Issue

• Seven Indiana Libraries Named Star Libraries by Library Journal
  
  
• Indiana Selects New High School Equivalency Credential Exam
  
  
• Deadlines Approach for Grant, Veterans' Initiative

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Seven Indiana Libraries Named Star Libraries by Library Journal

Library Journal recognized seven Indiana public libraries as Star Libraries. Two of these seven, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) and New Carlisle & Olive Township Public Library, received top designation as being five-star libraries. This is the third year EVPL received a five-star rating. Joining the list as four-star libraries were Allen County Public Library, Butler Public Library and Spencer County Public Library. Boswell-Grant Township Public Library and Waterloo-Grant Township Public Library were named three-star libraries.

The ratings are based on the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, a measurement tool that compares U.S. public libraries on the quantities of services they deliver. The index measures four per capita areas that indicate public service - circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. The top libraries in each group get five, four, or three stars. All rated libraries, stars or not can use their scores to learn from their peers, inform their stakeholders of achievements and service opportunities, and improve library awareness and funding.

Indiana Selects New High School Equivalency Credential Exam

Starting in 2014, Indiana will debut its new high school equivalency test - Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). An expert panel of representatives from the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC), the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) were involved in evaluating all proposals offered, culminating in the selection of CTB/McGraw- Hill. In addition, Ivy Tech and the Indiana Association of Adult and Continuing Education provided expert analysis of the available testing options.

The current version of the GED® test is expiring at the end of 2013 and patrons scores will expire too if they don’t finish and pass the test before the end of the year. TASC will be aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards over the next few years and will gradually increase in rigor to better meet industry demand. Hoosier test takers will also pay considerably less for the TASC than the GED® exam, which is scheduled to double in price beginning in January.

In order to maintain accessibility, the new exam will continue to be offered in both paper and computer-based formats, ensuring Indiana’s current network of providers, including correctional facilities, will not be disrupted.  It will also be available in English and Spanish, braille, and audio versions for the visually impaired.

The State Library is currently working with the DWD and its INSPIRE database vendors to prepare resources for Indiana libraries, which are often at the forefront of adult education in their communities. Stay tuned to The Wednesday Word for future announcements about TASC resources available on INSPIRE. Additionally, Indiana libraries can begin building a TASC resource collection by pre-ordering TASC study guides from Amazon.

Deadlines Approach for Grant, Veterans' Initiative

Last Chance to Register for Our Heroes' Tree
A tree, paper, scissors and glue is all you need to honor veterans at your school or community library. Register by Friday, November 8 to join the dozens of participating Indiana libraries for the Our Heroes' Tree initiative. If your library is planning an event, but has yet to register, please consider doing so to be included in statewide media releases, social media announcements, and other external communications.

Rockstar Librarian Application Deadline Extended to 11/15
The Indiana State Library is offering a competitive minigrant for Rock Star Startup Kits to public libraries in Indiana. The purpose of these kits is to encourage instrument use in library storytimes by the children's librarian. These are not instruments to be given to children, but rather to be used and owned by the recipient libraries. Applications for guitar kits must be received by 5:00 PM on November 15th. 

Digital Inclusion Survey Deadline Extended

Library directors across Indiana are encouraged to take part in a national survey on Digital Inclusion through November 22. This study explores the digital inclusion roles of public libraries. Your participation will help provide Indiana libraries with accurate demographics about the areas they serve.

Upcoming Workshops
& Important Dates

Storytime Boot Camp
When: Nov. 11 @ 9:30 AM (CST)
Where: Whiting Publc Library

Health Literacy and Affordable Care Act Resources
When: November 13 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Akron Carnegie Public Library

ACA Overview & Preparing for ACA
When: November 13 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Huntington City-Township Public Library

Fall Institutional Libraries Workshop
When: November 18 @ 8:30 AM
Where: Indiana State Library

Bookkeeping/Annual Report Workshop
When: November 19 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Indiana State Library & Online

Storytime for Children with Disabilities
When: December 16 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Vigo Co. Public Library

Every Child Ready 2 Read - 2nd Edition
When: Dec. 18 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Hancock Co. Publc Library (Greenfield)

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