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Pew Internet Report Outlines Recent Trends in Library Usage According to a recent Pew Internet & Life Project report, "Library Services in the Digital Age," more than 90 percent of Americans ages 16 and older say public libraries are important to their communities. However, just 22 percent say that they know all or most of the services their libraries offer now. Another 46 percent say they know some of what their libraries offer and 31 percent said they know not much or nothing at all of what their libraries offer. These factual tidbits are just the tip of the iceberg in this report that can be a valuable reference when advocating for your library. The report also highlights how people use libraries, internet usage, and how demographic and socioeconomic factors effect patrons utitlity of the library. According to Pew, "This report explores the changing world of library services by exploring the activities at libraries that are already in transition and the kinds of services citizens would like to see if they could redesign libraries themselves. It is part of a larger research effort by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project that is exploring the role libraries play in people’s lives and in their communities. The research is underwritten by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation." If you would like to learn more about this report, Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, and other digital and library experts are hosting a webinar on February 13. They will offer a synopsis of the report and provide insight on what types of services Americans value in their library and what types of services they would like to see their library start to offer. February Gale Webinars Feature Inspire Resources Gale is offering a series of February workshops that 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 and encouraged to attend. You may also recall that Gale recently developed helpful resources for maximizing your patrons' INSPIRE eBook experience, including instructions for downloading GVRL titles to mobile devices like iPads, Kindles and Nooks. This user guide and other valuable search and navigation tip sheets can be found on the INSPIRE training page. A direct link for GVRL is available using INSPIRE's "search by database" function. Two Weeks Remain to Submit Big Read Applications The Big Read is accepting applications until February 5th from libraries seeking funding to conduct month-long, community-wide reads between September 2013 and June 2014. The Big Read is a national program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture. Organizations selected will receive a grant ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, access to online training resources, educational and promotional materials, inclusion of your organization and activities on The Big Read Web site, and the prestige of participating in a highly visible national program. Approximately 75 organizations from across the country will be selected by a panel of experts. Visit The Big Read website to review the guidelines and application Instructions. For more information, contact Arts Midwest at 612.238.8010 or TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org Join Hundreds of Indiana Schools and Libraries for Digital Learning Day on February 6 |
Welcome New Library Directors Please join the State Library in congratulating the following two library directors on their new positions: Ryan Rokicki, Director, New Harmony Workingmen's Institute Ginger Rogers, Director, Owen County Public Library Best of luck to you both!
Upcoming Workshops,
Every Child Ready to Read Workshop Overview of IndianaMap Digital Learning Day Every Child Ready to Read Workshop Libraries and Pinterest Central Indiana Children's Roundtable Collaborative Summer Reading Program Training Every Child Ready to Read Workshop Readers Advisory for Youth Every Child Ready to Read Workshop Discovery to Delivery IV: Connecting the Community
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