In This Issue

1. Evergreen Indiana Thriving After Successful First Year
    

2. Resources Available to Promote Library Card Sign-up Month

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Evergreen Indiana Thriving After Successful First Year

Evergreen Indiana, the state’s #1 open-source integrated library system (ILS), this week celebrates the one-year anniversary of Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library’s (Zionsville) migration to Evergreen. Since Hussey-Mayfield’s debut as the first Evergreen Indiana library on August 25, 2008, thirty-seven more public libraries have gone live and now collectively serve over 415,000 Hoosiers. The growing consortium will welcome aboard 23 more libraries by Spring 2010, which will bring the total population served by Evergreen Indiana libraries to over 635,000.

The Indiana State Library, in coordination with the Hussey-Mayfield, originally investigated the development of an open-source ILS program in early 2007. The Georgia Evergreen model was selected due to the software’s scalability. Evergreen works for libraries serving over 400,000 patrons just as effectively as those serving less than 4,000. In fact, the Shoals Public Library, one of Evergreen Indiana’s newest members, recently became the first previously non-automated library to migrate to Evergreen. This enterprise-class library automation system helps library patrons find library materials, and helps libraries manage, catalog, and circulate those materials, no matter how large or complex the libraries. See the software's functionality first hand by visiting Evergreen Indiana's online catalog.

The number of Indiana libraries that would participate in the initiative was uncertain at the beginning. However, the nearly seamless conversion of hundreds of Georgia Pines member libraries to Evergreen indicated the software was capable of meeting Indiana’s needs. Additionally, the majority of Evergreen installation and system maintenance costs are funded by the Indiana State Library through federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds. This keeps member contributions minimal and saves Indiana libraries hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

“The Indiana library community needs viable ways to save tax dollars and this project not only conserves scarce resources but also enhances public libraries’ ability to share resources with one another,” said Roberta Brooker, Indiana State Librarian. “While we were confident in Evergreen from the start, we could have never predicted the success of the collaborative to date and the overall statewide interest in this open-source solution.”

The Evergreen Indiana Consortium is currently accepting new membership applications for libraries interested in joining in 2010. To apply, a public library must have its board’s approval and submit the Evergreen Indiana Membership Agreement and Code of Ethics. There are also opportunities for school, academic and institutional libraries at this time. Learn more about the benefits of joining the Evergreen Indiana Consortium by visiting the information and resources for interested libraries clearinghouse, or contact Catherine Lemmer, Evergreen Indiana Project Coordinator, at 317.234.6536 or clemmer@library.in.gov. 

September is Library Card Sign-up Month and the American Library Association (ALA) has several resources to help your library encourage patrons to sign up for the smartest card of all – a library card. Visit the Library Card Sign-up Month 2009 website to access useful materials such as flyers, audio public service announcements, sample press releases and letters-to-the-editor, programming ideas, and much more. Library Card Sign-up Month has been observed each September since 1987 and is a great opportunity for libraries across to remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.   

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Applications for final round of diversity fellowships due August 28. Visit the State Library's Diversity Advisory Council webpage for details.