The Wednesday Word: Library News from Around Indiana

The Indiana Librarian Leadership Academy kicked off last week at the Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park with a three-day workshop headlined by ALA president Maureen Sullivan, who focused on leadership principles and best practices. Another guest presenter, Andy Mink, Director of Outreach and Education for the Virginia Center for Digital History, covered the topics of technology and media and how these tools can assist leaders.

Also as part of the Academy, all 27 participants were assigned to 1 of 5 cohort groups based on the strengths assessment from the Strengths Based Leadership. The groups each determined a project that guide their work over the next several months within the Academy, and result in a project or program that will have a great impact on librarianship in Indiana. The groups will work on projects such as an outreach toolkit for librarians of all types, an expansion on the skills from Every Child Ready to Read 2.0, an interactive resource for sharing innovations that are occurring at all libraries of all types, a cultural heritage map to highlight hidden collections across the state, and a social networking tool for librarians in the state to find other librarians and staff with similar interests to explore professional growth. Each of these programs will be developed simultaneously over the next several months.

Visit the Indiana Librarian Leadership Academy online for more information about the program, including progress from current cohorts as well as registration details for next year's Academy.

Dates, Events Set for 2012 Banned Books Week

This year marks Banned Books Week’s 30^th anniversary and its theme is 30 years of Liberating Literature. Banned Books Week 2012 will take place September 30 through October 6 and will host a variety of events surrounding banned books.

Intellectual freedom is a momentous part of Banned Books Week. Since 1982, more than 11,000 books have been challenged. Banned Books Week allows supporters to have a voice and to stand up for what they believe in.

There are various resources available for the public to help celebrate Banned Books Week. Also, this year you can submit local programs for inclusion on Banned Books Week Calendar of Events or participate in the Virtual Readout.

State Library to Renew Our Heroes' Tree Project

Registration is now open for the 2012 Our Heroes’ Tree initiative. The Indiana State Library has assumed statewide administration of the popular program with support from the Military Family Research Institute, which hosted the program through 2010.

NOTICE: There is still time to register for tomorrow's Summit on Serving the Unserved at the State Library.

War of 1812 Content Sought
for Poster Contest

The Indiana Archives Month Committee is requesting high-resolution images of paintings, manuscripts, artifacts or documents for use in the design of the 2012 Indiana Archives Month poster. The Archives Month Committee seeks historically-significant submissions relating to both Indiana and the bicentennial of the War of 1812. All submissions must be turned into the Indiana State Historic Records Advisory Board at shrab@icpr.in.gov by no later than August 20, 2012.

Upcoming Workshops,
Events & Important Dates

Summit on Serving the Unserved Follow-up Meeting
When: August 9 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Indiana State Library

Gale Virtual Reference Library eBooks from Inspire
When: August 15 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Live Online

New Director's Workshop
When: August 16 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Indiana State Library

She Blinded Me With Library Science (Certification Workshop)
When: August 21 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Live Online

CYPD 2012 Conference
When: August 26 & 27
Where: Indianapolis Marriott East

Association for Library Service to Children National Institute
When: September 20-22
Where: Sheraton Indy City Centre Hotel

Indiana Vision Expo & Vision Walk
When: September 29 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Indiana State Library

View free LEU
opportunities from: