The Wednesday Word: Library News from Around Indiana

Novel Conversations, a free statewide lending library with more than 375 titles in its collection, recently received nearly $30,000 in grants to help increase Hoosiers’ access to books. The program received a grant for $10,000 from The Glick Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, as well as a $19,200 LSTA grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, as administered by the Indiana State Library. The grants will enable Indiana Humanities to reach readers in underserved areas of the state (including those without access to libraries), facilitate discussions with Hoosiers all across the state and fund events with Indiana authors.

Any Indiana resident with a book club and libraries all types can participate in Novel Conversations for free. Books are shipped via the Indiana State Library’s INfo Express service to libraries around the state, or picked up and returned at Indiana Humanities’ headquarters in Indianapolis. Residents of areas outside library districts may be eligible for free, direct shipping. Book sets need to be reserved in advance by calling 317.638.1500 or emailing Nancy Conner. Visit the Novel Conversations website for a complete list of books.

IMLS Report Tracks Funding for State Library Agencies

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently released its report on the State Library Survey for fiscal year 2010. The data collected in this annual survey show that state library agencies’ revenues fell by 24.1 percent in the previous decade and that reduction in staff has been one of the largest impacts of this shortfall. Yet, most agencies continue to provide essential services to libraries.

According to the report, state libraries are instrumental in helping local libraries meet growing public demand for content and services. They provide leadership by establishing statewide plans for library services, investing in technology and content that can be used by libraries statewide, and providing support for local programming.

Cuts to state library funding in Indiana has followed suit with national trends. However, despite a reduction of nearly $2 million in funding over the past five years, the Indiana State Library offers more statewide library services than ever before. The State Library found and continues to recognize significant efficiencies by directly administering and providing services like INSPIRE, INfo Express and professional development, among a long list of others.

This IMLS report marks the fifth release of library statistics data from IMLS. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative effort between the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), IMLS, and the U.S. Census Bureau. The FY2010 survey is the 17th in the StLA series.

February is Library Lovers' Month

Library Lovers' Month is a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. This is a time for everyone, especially library support groups, to recognize the value of libraries and to work to assure that the Nation's libraries will continue to serve.

Click here to learn ways to host Library Lovers' Month events at your library

Nominate your favorite Hoosier
authors through March 23, 2012

LEU Opportunity Days

Register today for one of five remaining LEU Opportunity Days at a location near you. While the LEUs are for public librarians, the workshops are available to all librarians and school library educators statewide.

When: February 21 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Vigo Co. Public Library

When: February 28 @ 10:00AM
Where: Batesville Memorial PL

When: March 14 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Kendallville PL

When: March 21 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Jasper Co. PL- Wheatfield

When: March 29 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Tippecanoe Co. PL

AISLE RISE Evaluation Rubric

The Association of School Library Educators recently developed the Indiana School Librarian Evaluation Rubric based on the RISE evaluation form. Visit AISLE online for more recent news.

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

Every Child Ready to Read 2nd Edition Workshop
When: February 16 @ 9:00 AM (CST)
Where: Lake County Public Library

Advanced Cataloging for Evergreen Indiana
When: February 16 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Hartford City Public Library

Evergreen Indiana Overview
When: February 23 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Live Webinar

Indianapolis Youth Literature Conference
When: February 25
Where: Indianapolis Public Library

Discovery to Delivery III: Resource Sharing Core Service
When: March 9 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Ball State University

9th Annual Copyright Conference
When: April 18 - All Day
Where: Ball State University

Evergreen International Conference
When: April 25-28
Where: Indianapolis

View free LEU
opportunities from:

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

The Wednesday Word is a free publication of the Indiana State Library, distributed weekly in an electronic format.
Past issues are archived at the State Library's Newsroom.