The Wednesday Word: Library News from Around Indiana

While Governor Daniels officially proclaimed today as Digital Learning Day in Indiana, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) began its 29-day challenge for educators to explore new technologies that enhance student learning or teach more effectively. Each day, IDOE will introduce a new online resource complete with tutorials and tips. They also have a 29-Day Web 2.0 Challenge blog and YouTube channel that will showcase many of the ways digital learning is being utilized to engage Indiana learners.

Digital Learning Day is not just for schools. It also includes libraries, after-school programs, and other groups that utilize technology in student learning. Visit the Digital Learning Day (DLD) website for more on the national celebration and resources. Also, let them know about how you are celebrating digital learning by joining the Twitter conversation @DLDay2012 or #DLDay.

Black History Month Resources Available via INSPIRE

Biography In Context offers dozens of unique and comprehensive resources for Black History Month and is available free through INSPIRE. The "African Americans" topic portal provides easy access to biographies on prominent African Americans associated with the arts, business, current events, entertainment, government, history, literature, multicultural studies, politics, science, and sports.

Biography in Context delivers Gale's authoritative reference content of more than 600,000 biographies on more than 500,000 people gathered from more than 170 award-winning Gale reference sources. Most entries integrate enhanced content like video, audio, podcasts, interactives and more that provide a richer multi-media, online experience for today’s learners, educators and librarians.

ALTAFF Seeks Feedback from Library Friends Groups

The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends, and Foundations (ALTAFF) is seeking input from friends organizations nationwide to help the organization develop new governance, promotion, advocacy, and fundraising resources for members. The simple 10-question survey can be completed in five minutes or less and results will be published on ALTAFF’s website and in an upcoming edition of ALTAFF’s newsletter, The Voice.

Groups that complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win one of three prizes: $250, a year of ALTAFF membership or a one-year membership renewal (a value of up to $125), or a copy of ALTAFF’s "Even More Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends" (a $44.95 value). The survey can be accessed at and responses will be collected through March 1, 2012.

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 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

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

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

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

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.