The Wednesday Word: Library News from Around Indiana

Computers are utilized in many jobs and having basic knowledge of popular computer software is very valuable. From creating documents and spreadsheets to making presentations and databases, these new tutorials from Testing & Education Reference Center will help your patrons get started. Individual interactive modules that include video will assist patrons with the following programs:

Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Word 2010
Microsoft Excel 2010
Microsoft Access 2010
Microsoft PowerPoint 2010

These interactive training tutorials will guide patrons through key features of each program. Any Hoosier may access this and other TERC resources via INSPIRE from the public library or a home, work or school computer.

Indiana Digital Archives Adds New Databases

The nationally-recognized Indiana State Digital Archives has new digital collections available for anyone interested in Indiana heritage and genealogy. The United Spanish War Veterans (USWV) database includes over 6,470 entries for members of the Indiana Department of the USWV. The database, including the Indiana subset, was created in 1904 by the merger of three smaller record sets of Spanish-American War veterans. At the peak of the war, there were over ninety camps (posts) located in towns across Indiana. Typical files contain applications, membership information, pension correspondence, and death notices (TAPS). Information on spouses and widows can also be found within many files.

In addition to USWV database, the Digital Archives has added the 945-entry DeKalb County, 1376-entry Wabash County, and 823-entry Wells County naturalization databases. The Digital Archives now holds 35 of Indiana's 92 counties naturalization databases and plans the addition of more Indiana counties in the future. These databases provide great insight into Hoosier immigration at the county level.

The Digital Archives enables Hoosiers and researchers worldwide to view the vast collection of historical and vital records housed at the State Archives.

Call for Entries: Best Books of Indiana Contest

The Indiana Center for the Book invites Indiana authors and publishers to enter the 2012 Best Books of Indiana Contest. Indiana has a long and illustrious literary heritage and this contest was created to honor this heritage and recognize Hoosier authors.

The contest is open to books with original publication in 2011 and must have an Indiana theme, or the author must live or have lived in Indiana. Books must have an ISBN and have been originally published between January 1 and December 31, 2011. Entries must be postmarked or delivered in person by Friday, April 6, 2012.

Categories for this year's competition include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children's/young adult. The entry form, contest guidelines and a complete listing of past Best Books' winners and finalists are available at www.centerforthebook.org. Interested persons may also contact or recommend titles to the Indiana Center for the Book at agriffis@library.IN.gov or (317) 650-6158.

LEU Opportunity Days

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

When: February 15 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Jasper-Dubois County Public Library, Ferdinand Branch

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

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

When: March 14 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Kendallville Public Library

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

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

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

Due Date for Indiana Public Library Annual Report
When: February 1

Deadline to Apply for Big Read Grants
When: February 1 @ 4:00 PM (CST)

Advanced INSPIRE Business Resources
When: February 7 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Live Webinar

Deadline for LSTA Grant Applications
When: February 10 @ 11:59 PM

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

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

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.