In This Issue

1. State Library Seeking Applications for 2013 LSTA Grant Program

2. State Library Genealogy Named "Best State Website" by Family Tree

3. Letters About Literature Accepting Entries through Jan. 11, 2013

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Start Your Big Read Application Today

The Big Read is accepting applications from non-profit organizations to develop community-wide reading programs between September 2013 and June 2014. The Big Read is a national program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read receive a grant, educational and promotional materials, and access to online training resources and opportunities. Approximately 75 organizations from across the country will be selected.

To review the guidelines and application instructions, visit The Big Read website. 

State Library Seeking Applications for 2013 LSTA Grant Program

The State Library Development Office this week announced that the application process is now open for the 2013 LSTA grant program. The 2013 applications must be received by 4:00 PM EST on Friday, March 15th, 2013 and include the following opportunities for Indiana libraries and historical and cultural organizations:

• Technology Grants
  Technology Grants help Indiana libraries provide their users with the new and improved technology necessary to meet their residents’ ever-changing needs for library services and access to information.
• Digitization Grants
  The theme for the 2013 Digitization Grant Program is The Indiana Bicentennial. While adherence to the theme is not required, projects incorporating this theme are encouraged.
• Ongoing Grant Opportunities
  More information about open deadline grant opportunities, including Innovative Library Technology grants and Information Access for the Unserved grants, will be available in January 2013

If you have questions about your eligibility, a grant application requirement, or anything else concerning 2013 LSTA grant opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact Jennifer Clifton, LSTA Grant Consultant, at jclifton@library.in.gov or (317) 234-6550. Visit the LSTA homepage to learn more about LSTA grants and how they support Indiana libraries.

State Library Genealogy Named "Best State Website" by Family Tree

Family Tree Magazine, America's #1 family history publication recently recognized the Indiana State Library Genealogy Collection among the “2012 Best State Websites.” This is the second-consecutive year the State Library has received this designation. The Genealogy Collection’s website offers several features and resources that can assist visitors with their family history research. The website highlights statewide indexes to marriages, deaths, biographies and newspapers, as well as vital records and indexes for each of Indiana’s 92 counties.

The Genealogy Collection has developed over time to become one of the largest collections of family history information in the Midwest. In addition to its abundant online resources, the collection includes over 40,000 printed items as well as microfilmed federal census records, Indiana county records, passenger lists, military pension information and hundreds of CDs with family history information. The emphasis of the collection is on Indiana and bordering states, as well as eastern and southern states. Resources for Native American and African-American family history research are also available.

“We strive to build an online presence that complements the State Library's extensive Genealogy Collection,” said Roberta L. Brooker, State Librarian, in a recent press release. “We want family history researchers to understand what is available and how to utilize our Genealogy Collection via online resources, reference assistance or in-house and statewide programming.”

Additional assistance is available for online researchers via the Ask-A-Librarian service, which offers phone, email and live chat options. The State Library also offers Family History Tours at least twice monthly, as well as several family history workshops. The State Library also brings workshops to local communities.  Inquire about hosting a local workshop at your library by calling 317-232-3689.

In addition to the Genealogy Collection, the Indiana Digital Archives was recognized by Family Tree Magazine as a  “Best State Website” for a third-consecutive year.

Letters About Literature Accepting Entries through Jan. 11, 2013

Entry forms for the '12-'13 Letters About Literature contest are now available on the Indiana Center for the Book's website. The national reading-writing competition, sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Indiana Center for the Book, calls for entrants to write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre (fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic, etc.) explaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or their self.

All Indiana semifinalists will be invited to the Indiana Youth Literary Day & Awards Ceremony presented by the James & Madeleine McMullan Family Foundation on April 27, 2013. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in creative writing workshops presented by notable Hoosier young adult authors, and will be honored at ceremony following the day’s activities. All semifinalists in attendance will receive free books and are invited to an exclusive book-signing reception following the ceremony. State contest finalists will receive a cash award and a plaque. First-place winners also advance to the national level competition and are eligible for the $1,000 grand prize and runner-up cash prizes.

Visit www.centerforthebook.org for contest updates and valuable teaching materials, such as lesson plans, writing samples, assessment checklists, and teacher tips. Letters About Literature is open to legal U.S. residents enrolled as a student in grades 4 -12 during 2012/2013 school year (note: only grades 9 &10 eligible for national prizes for Level 3). Entries must be postmarked by January 11, 2013 for consideration.

Gale Announces January Webinar Series

Gale recently announced its January series of workshops, many of which cover popular Inspire titles such as Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL), Biography InContext and Health & Wellness Resource Center. While this is a live webinar series, courses will also be recorded and available for viewing via Gale's extensive On Demand library. Most webinars are eligible for Library Education Units (LEUs), but librarians of all types are welcome to participate.

Proposals Sought for Resource-Sharing Conference

The Academic Libraries of Indiana and the Indiana State Library seek presentation proposals for Discovery to Delivery IV: Connecting the Community by January 15, 2013. This a free resource-sharing conference will be held at Ball State University on March 8, 2013 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Presentations should be approximately 30-35 minutes in length with an additional 10 minutes at the end of each session for questions and discussion.

The conference is open to all Indiana libraries, and is attended by representatives from academic, public, and special libraries.

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: January 8 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Harrison Co. Public Library

NE Indiana YA Roundtable
When: January 7 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Wells Co. Public Library

SE Indiana YA Roundtable
When: January 17 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Greensburg-Decatur Co. Public Library

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: January 17 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Huntington City-Township Public Library

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop
When: January 25 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Aurora Public Library

Digital Learning Day
When: February 6, 2013 (all day)
Where: Across the Nation

Discovery to Delivery IV: Connecting the Community
When: March 8 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Ball State University

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News & Notes:

The State Library will be closed Sat., Dec. 22 - Tue., Dec. 25 in celebration of the winter holidays.