In This Issue

• State Library Releases 2013 Public Library Statistics
  
  
• Just Over 2 Months Left to Complete WebJunction Courses
  
  
• IMLS Hosting Webinar Series on Future Grant Initiatives
  
  
• Reception Scheduled for Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibit
  

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State Library Releases 2013 Public Library Statistics

The 2013 Public Library Statistics from the 2013 Annual Report were recently released and offer a wealth of information and insights into a variety of categories. Here are a handful of interesting highlights from the data compiled and posted online:

• Approximately 58% of Hoosiers are library cardholders.
• There were 36,914,314 visits to Indiana public libraries last year, a 4% decrease from 2012.
• Indiana libraries circulated 77,559,553 items in 2013, a .14% decrease from 2012.
• The number of eBooks available to Hoosiers increased by 201%.
• Children’s materials comprised 30% of all materials checked out, and children’s programming saw a 2% increase in attendance last year.
• Total program attendance increased by over 10%.
• The number of ALA MLS librarians employed in Indiana public libraries increased by 2% to 950.

Anyone with questions regarding the statistics may contact Jennifer Clifton, Public Library Consultant, at jclifton@library.in.gov or (317) 234-6550.

Just Over 2 Months Left to Complete WebJunction Courses

The Indiana State Library's contract with WebJunction will end on June 30, 2014. Now is a great time to take advantage of WebJunction courses and also complete any coursework you have started by the end of June. WebJunction is also sending emails to users advising them of the termination of service. 

In the coming months, the State Library will announce information about new continuing education vendors so library staff may continue their pursuit of LEUs at no charge.

IMLS Hosting Webinar Series on Future Grant Initiatives

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is seeking library input on future grant directions and will host three webinars for stakeholders interested in shaping their communities to maximize educational and economic opportunities. The first of the webinars will be convened on Tuesday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT at the New York Public Library to discuss the National Digital Platform with U.S. Archivist David Ferriero and other experts at the New York Public Library.

IMLS invites broad participation via a live webcast and library professionals and the public are encouraged to participate through social media using the Twitter hashtag #imlsfocus. During the webinar, library and archive leaders will discuss key needs, gaps, opportunities, and goals to consider in furthering national digital initiatives. Click here for a complete agenda.

The next two meetings will be on May 15 on learning spaces in libraries at the San Francisco Public Library and on June 5 on STEM learning at the Chicago Public Library. IMLS will release a revised National Leadership Grant application this summer that will reflect the priorities identified during these meetings.

Reception Scheduled for Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibit

After 150 years, the American Civil War remains a defining moment in our nation’s history. You're invited to a grand opening reception of Hardship & Hope: The Life of the Hoosier Soldier During the Civil War on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 PM (EDT). This free event features expert scholars and authors, as well as historical reenactors of General Lew Wallace and members of the 49th Indiana, Company F. and 18th Light Artillery.

The exhibition gives a more personal understanding of the everyday realities from the Hoosier soldier on the battlefield. Unique letters, photographs, and artifacts from the Indiana State Library’s collection, many of which have never before been on display, will be available for the public to view.

One Week Left to Save Big on Bulk Paper Purchases

Due to market pricing in the paper industry, prices will increase after the term date of the current purchase agreement available on LibraryIndiana However, current prices with Paper Corporation are available through Wednesday, April 30th.

Since the inception of the LibraryIndiana Copy Paper Demand Aggregation program in 2012, Indiana libraries have saved nearly $6,000 or 26% on their bulk paper purchases. Email info@libraryindiana.com for more information or to register.

Upcoming Workshops
& Important Dates

TeachingBooks.net Overview Webinars
When: April 24 @ 2:00 PM
When: April 24 @ 4:00 PM
Where: Live Online

Youth Trainings in Hammond
When: April 24 @ 9:00 AM (CDT)
Where: Hammond PL

ILF District Conferences
District 1: IU South Bend, (5/13)

Discovery to Delivery V
When: April 25 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Indianapolis PL - Central

Preservation Week Road Show
When: April 26 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Indiana History Center

Genealogy for Night Owls
When: April 30 @ 5:30 PM
Where: Indiana State Library

Opening Reception: Hardship & Hope Exhibit
When: May 8 @ 5:00 PM
Where: Indiana State Library

IOLUG Spring Program
When: May 16
Where: Indiana Wesleyan Univ.: Indianapolis North Campus

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