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Events, Research and Reports
Spread the Word About National Library Week
April 8th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians. This year will be celebrated with the theme, “Worlds connect @ your library.” Here’s just a few last minute ideas to promote National Library Week at your library:
- Post Flyers at the library and other community forums – The ALA has already done this work for you. Check out their printable National Library Week PSA Download Print PSA featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, Honorary Chair of National Library Week 2009.
- Issue Letters-to-the-Editor and Press Releases – Let the local media know about all the great things happening at the library. ALA has created some great resources to connect with reporters in your area:
  - Sample letter-to-the-editor – English / Spanish
  - Sample press release – English / Spanish
  - Sample proclamation – English / Spanish
For more information check out the National Library Week Fact Sheet or contact Megan McFarlane, National Library Week Campaign Coordinator, at mmcfarlane@ala.org.

IMCPL Receives Library of the Future Award
Based on an ALA Press Release

The American Library Association has named the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (IMCPL) the 2009 winner of the ALA/Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award. This award is presented annually to a library that demonstrates innovative planning and development of patron training programs about information technology in a library setting.

The winning initiative was IMCPL’s “The Learning Curve @ Central Library” project, an outstanding programming space (both physical and virtual) that provides a high tech, high energy, hands-on information environment designed for today’s children. In a flexible environment surrounded by books, children in the Learning Curve participate in activities that are infused with digital elements reflecting the ideal synthesis of technology and traditional literacy that children need to successfully face the future.

Through real and virtual activities kids who attend programs at IMCPL’s Learning Curve have the opportunity to use technology in productive ways that reinforce basic information literacy skills. For example, using a computer, synthesizer and digital camera, kids can make their own digital books, songs, photos or videos. They can then share their creations on the plasma screen with other visitors in The Curve or add them to virtual CurveWorld “galleries.”

“The Learning Curve staff is pleased to win this coveted award. Trail blazing can be lonely, so it is gratifying when successful innovation is recognized,” Learning Curve Project Director Chris Cairo. “Receiving this award encourages the Curve to continue pushing the ‘digital envelope’ by developing new models for the Library industry.”

Ms. Cairo also extended an invitation to everyone to visit the Learning Curve @Central Library to experience this information literacy laboratory for learning.

For more information about The Learning Curve @ Central Library program’s website.

The Library of the Future Award will be presented on Tuesday, July 14, at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. The deadline for submission of applications for the 2010 ALA/Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award is Dec. 1. Guidelines and application forms are available on the ALA website.

State Library’s
Reference Hotline
866-683-0008
eReference

More Library News:
Associated Press : IU library opens Rubik’s Cube exhibit
BuscoVoice: Best-selling Indiana author to Appear at Peabody Library April 19
Indiana Statesman: Library Book Sale Draws in Students
Indy Star: Q&A with Author Susan Neville
IU News: IU Libraries hosts digital literacy contest
Kokomo Tribune: Library offers more than just books
Rushville Republican: RPL announces Building Corporation members
Shelbyville News: EWOL, library to host early childhood events in April
Terre Haute Tribune Star: Iditarod racer shares story with Valley
Terre Haute Tribune Star: A Chapter’s End: Southland Branch closes its doors
WTHI TV (Terre Haute): Third library branch to close
Events, Friday Facts, Resources
April is Autism Awareness Month
April 3rd, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Thursday, April 2, 2009 was World Autism Awareness Day, and April is Autism Awareness Month, sponsored by the Autism Society of America. There are several government resources to turn to when searching for information on Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASDs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides a user-friendly online Autism Information Center which contains an overview of ASDs, CDC activities, and directs users to related news. The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus webpage on Autism also lists a wealth of different sources – from Diagnosis and Treatment to Genetics and Research. For quick access to answers, try the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Autism Information Page. Try also Learning about Autism, from the National Human Genome Research Institute.

More DTV Coupons Now Available
In a March 24, 2009 press release from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), it was announced that the DTV Coupon Program is back on track. The program was designed to provide government subsidies for citizens who had to purchase digital cable converters for their analog televisions. Prior to the DTV Delay Act (PL 111-4), a major concern was that the program had run out of funding and was unable to provide coupons for households who needed them, thus creating an extensive backlog. However, because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the backlog has been alleviated. Households with expired coupons can contact the NTIA to get a replacement. Please see the press release for detailed contact information. The NTIA is accepting new applications for coupons and their stated turnaround period is nine days. However, as these coupons are being distributed on a first-come-first-served basis, citizens are encouraged to redeem their coupons as soon as possible.

Unwind with a Nice “Stay-cation” this Spring
Florida, Cancun, Jamaica… Indiana?! Why not Indiana for Spring Break? While it may not be an exotic location, Indiana has many tourist attractions and features for just about everyone. Instead of going away for Spring Break, many Hoosiers are deciding to take stay-cations and become tourists in their own city. The Indiana Office of Tourism and Development has packages and discounts to make staying in Indiana for Spring Break an attractive one. From resorts to museums to casinos, there is something for everyone here. For more information, please visit these websites and enjoy your stay-cation.

Census 2010 Preparation Getting into Gear
You and your patrons may notice U.S. Census workers soon in your neighborhood, sporting identification badges, starting now and throughout the year. Workers have begun canvassing addresses to make sure no one goes uncounted. One year from now, on April 1, 2010, the Census Bureau will begin counting the nation. Performing an accurate count of the population is very important. Information collected during the decennial census is used to: “distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year,” according to the Census Bureau’s Census 2010 website. One of the main differences for Census 2010 is that there will be no long form to fill out. Everyone will fill out the same short form which takes a convenient 10 minutes to complete. For more information, please visit Indiana’s Census 2010 website for more on Why the Census Matters and read the March 30 Indy Star article, Census wants to count on you.

U.S. Mint Honoring Louis Braille with New Coin
The U.S. Mint is yet again releasing a new coin. This one, however, is a little different than most. Officially known as the “Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar,” the coin was authorized by Public Law 109-247. It features inventor Louis Braille on the obverse (“heads”) side, and is the first U.S. coin to include readable Braille on it. The coins are available until December 31, 2009, and are non-circulating. Patrons interested in purchasing one can visit the U.S. Mint website or call their toll-free number at 1-800-USA-MINT. They can also view images of the coin by visiting the Mint’s Press Image Library. Any surcharges in sales will be sent to the National Federation of the Blind for its blind literacy programs.

by Katharine Springer, Elisabeth O’Donnell, & Kim Brown-Harden
Events, Resources
New Website Program Free for Public Libraries
April 1st, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

The availability of online library information and resources are quickly becoming essential public library services. The Indiana State Library is launching Access Point to provide free high-quality and functional websites to public libraries. The program includes many features that will make maintaining a website simple and painless, and the State Library will provide an initial template, training, and assistance.

Public library standards are currently being updated and it is expected that new standards will require that public libraries have a functional website. Access Point is a simple and cost-effective solution to not only meet this standard, but put you ahead of the curve by connecting your community to innovative and practical online library services.

The program is currently for public libraries without an online presence and those having difficulty maintaining their existing site. Qualifying libraries have already been contacted about the program. After this initial group is complete the State Library will take applications from other public libraries wishing to upgrade their current website.

To learn more about the program visit www.in.gov/library/accesspoint.htm.

I-LLID Fellow to Receive Extreme Home Makeover

Bernard McFarland of Indianapolis, a 2009 Indiana Librarians Leading in Diversity (I-LLID) fellow, has been chosen to receive an “Extreme Home Makeover.” Mr. McFarland is in the first year of the MLS program at IU-SLIS in Indianapolis. He is also a single father of three who works as a computer specialist for Marshall High School and mentors children.

According to an Indy Star article, Estridge Homes is building the home for the McFarland family. The builder also is creating a one-room library and resource center next to the home so McFarland has extra space for his mentor activities. Additionally, Estridge president, Paul Estridge, took the job on the condition that he would help the whole neighborhood, not just one family. With the help of volunteers, Estridge plans to demolish vacant houses, renovate neighboring homes, clean streets, pave alleys and plant trees in McFarland’s surrounding community.

Mr. McFarland’s new home will be the subject of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition season finale set to air May 17, 2009.

Library Network Merger Official: Indiana Now Member of Lyrasis

The PALINET-SOLINET merger is official as the new organization, Lyrasis, became effective today. The nation’s leading library cooperative also has a new website, www.lyrasis.org, so please check out what’s new online and update your favorites and bookmarks accordingly. Designed to be user-friendly and member-focused, the Lyrasis website offers new benefits and services developed with members in mind.

Lyrasis was established in 2009 by the merger of PALINET and SOLINET, a move that was unanimously recommended by both Boards and overwhelmingly (over 95%) approved by members of both networks. The impetus for the merger was the recognition of the shared mission of both organizations and the unprecedented opportunities to expand education, leadership development, technology, and savings for members, while adding critical new initiatives needed for the future.

The current membership of Lyrasis is 4,012 libraries and cultural heritage organizations of all types and sizes – academic, research, public, school, corporate, medical, law, and special – located in twenty-three states, including Indiana, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and in three other countries. Lyrasis serves nearly a third of US states and welcomes new members from anywhere in the world.

Lyrasis headquarters are in Atlanta, GA, with an office in Philadelphia, PA. Leadership consists of a Chief Executive Officer and a President, held by Kate Nevins and Cathy Wilt respectively. The Board of Trustees consists of 15 members – 7 each from the Boards of SOLINET and PALINET and one additional member to be appointed by the Lyrasis Board.

State Library’s
Reference Hotline
866-683-0008
eReference

More Library News:
Evansville Courier Press: College libraries keeping up
Gary Post-Tribune: Gary native returns to lead her hometown library
Indianapolis Business Journal: Indianapolis books big library convention
Indy Star: Library seeks $24M from engineers
Indy Star: Indy lands 2021 library association convention
Kokomo Tribune: Library still looking downtown Louisville Courier-Journal: Stimulus bill to bring rural areas a faster Internet
Marion Chronicle Tribune: Entrants sought for book contest
Muncie Star Press: Bracken makes it easier for Burris students to use library
Richmond Palladium-Item: Sink your teeth into a good book
Terre Haute Tribune Star: ISU librarian publishes servant leadership bibliography
The Paper of Montgomery County: Calling artists for Carnegie Mural
Events, Friday Facts, Resources
March is Red Cross Month
March 20th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

According to a March press release from the American Red Cross, in 1943, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the first to declare Red Cross Month in March, in order to raise funds for World War II. President Obama has signed a Presidential Proclamation for 2009, which details the services offered by the organization: “supporting our military and their families, collecting and distributing blood, helping the needy, delivering health and safety education, and providing aid abroad.”

The Red Cross website and the Red Cross Chat blog offer real-time disaster updates and information about assisting within your community. Under Your Local Red Cross (right-hand side of the main website), enter your zip code for local offices and blood drive locations. You can even donate online or shop for Reference Guides in the Red Cross store.

IndianaMap Turned 52 on March 18
…Fifty-two Indiana counties sharing data with IndianaMap, that is, according to a recent press releasefrom the Indiana Geographic Information Council. IndianaMap is an electronic statewide map for Indiana. It is used to help manage things such as hiking trails, business development, and highway construction projects. It is particularly valuable in emergency response and recovery efforts. If you’ve ever searched for something on Google Maps, it’s highly likely that the aerial photography came from IndianaMap.

The state Geographic Information Office was created on July 1, 2007 by Indiana Code 4-23-7.3 and located within the Indiana Office of Technology to coordinate GIS activities statewide. The Indiana Geographic Information Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization of GIS users, professionals, and educators. Administered by an elected board of directors, IGIC is recognized as the official statewide coordinating body for Indiana geographic information.

World Water Day Promotes Sharing Resources
World Water Day. Founded in 1992 following a United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, it was designated as a day for people to recognize the importance of freshwater and to work on developing ways to maintain that freshwater.

This year’s theme is Transboundary Water: Sharing water, sharing opportunity. According to the official website from the UN, cooperation between countries sharing bodies of water can “help build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries and promote peace, security and sustainable economic growth.” As a state bordering the Great Lakes, this is a relevant topic for Indiana. The UN’s website includes an interactive map of World Water Day events from around the world. It also provides posters and brochures that are available for download. For information about the important connection between clean water and good health, see the CDC’s website.

You can find information regarding Indiana’s Water Shortage Plan on the DNR’s website. For general information about water in Indiana, including water availability and how to obtain various permits, see the Department of Water. You can also visit the Central Indiana Land Trust to see how you can help the environment. The EPA is an additional source of information to learn about your local watershed.

Useful Tool Offers Variety of Local Data
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s Hoosiers by the Numbers website includes a new County Highlights feature that is full of data about the communities where you and your patrons live and work. Go to County Highlights, click a county on the map of Indiana, then select from eight different sections on each county profile: Overview, Population, Education, Commuting, Labor Force, Industry, Income, and Firm Size. Each section contains a variety of information in narrative, tables, charts, and graphs formats. Choose Lake County’s Industry section, for example, and view Average Employment by Sector for the county.

As stated on the website, the data is updated throughout the year, not just on an annual basis. The resulting tables and charts list their sources and are printable from the screen. Or download the data you need into Word, Excel, or PDF formats using the links on the top, right-hand side of the screen.

by Katharine Springer, Elisabeth O’Donnell, Kim Brown-Harden
Events, Resources
Feedback Sought for Free Power Meters at Libraries
March 18th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

The Indiana State Library would like to gauge interest among public libraries concerning free Kill A Watt. The meter measures the wattage used to power an appliance, computer of flat screen TV even when it is not on. By reducing phantom power use a person could save an average of $100 a year or more in electricity.

The goal is to integrate Kill A Watt power meters into libraries across the state so people could check them out like books and reduce their electric costs. The meters would come with a free counter-top display featuring information about the units and how they can be borrowed.

These Kill A Watt power meters will be available at no cost to public libraries. The State Library will proceed forward with this project if there is sufficient public library interest in these free meters. Please indicate your interest, comments and/or concerns about the free Kill A Watt power meters by emailing ldo@library.in.gov.

New Online Resource Searchable through INSPIRE
The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) has been added to the growing list of new resources searchable on INSPIRE. Results from this free comprehensive database of open-access scientific and scholarly journals will appear automatically during standard INSPIRE searches. These journals must exercise peer-review or editorial-quality control to participate. The Directory includes nearly 4,000 scientific and scholarly journals in dozens of different subject areas such as library and information science, education, history and art.

Free LEUs Available at April Workshops
Registration is now available for a three-session online course from Solinet that outlines the manager’s role in organizing and planning preservation activities in a library or archives. Preservation Management is designed for administrative and/or managerial staff responsible for planning, implementing, or managing a preservation program in a library or archives.

Registrations for this free class must be received by March 25, 2009 and participants must attend all three sessions that take place on April 2^nd, 9^th, & 13^thto be eligible for six (6) general LEUs. Registrants should receive an email with detailed login information and set-up instructions after they sign up for the course on WebJunction Indiana’s online event calendar. Register for all three courses on the April 2 event posting. Please call the Educational Services Department at 1-800-999-8558 if you do not receive this email at least three days prior to the class.

This class is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access. Please visit Solinet’s website for technical requirements for participating in the course.

Another free April workshop, Allocating Space in Your Library to Meet Changing Needs, will take a close look at popular methods and best practices for reviewing and reallocating existing library space to meet current service needs and changing public expectations. Public and academic library managers will receive hands-on practice in using a space review and reallocation model and associated work forms. The workshop also provides a library walk-about activity for applied learning and discussion of use of space.

Allocating Space in Your Library to Meet Changing Needs workshops will be worth six (6) General LEUs. Registration is available through WebJunction Indiana’s online calendar. All three workshops begin at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) and take place at the following locations and dates:

Location: Fulton County Public Library
Date Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Registration Ends: 3/31/2009 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

Location: Linton Public Library
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Registration Ends: 4/7/2009 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

Location: Hancock County Public Library
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Registration Ends: 4/14/2009 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

There is also limited seating available for the Programming for Babies course at the Jasper-Dubois County Contractual Public Library on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to Noon (EDT). This free one-hour course will feature lots of ideas about how to program for babies and their caregivers. Attendees will discuss what is developmentally appropriate for babies 18 months and younger and leave with songs, stories and ideas for great programs. This course is worth one (1) general LEU and will be followed up with the SW Youth Services spring roundtable.

State Library’s Reference Hotline
866-683-0008
eReference

More Library News:
Chesterton Tribune: Slumping economy boosts library use
Evansville Courier Press: Reform bills died for lack of support
Evansville Courier Press: Vanderburgh, Spencer county libraries have star power
Indiana Statesman: ISU librarian makes exhibit a success
Indy Star: Librarian encouraged love of the quest for information
Indy Star: Library to offer Savvy Senior class
Library Journal: You Can’t Afford Not To Do These Things
Martinsville Reporter Times: Reference librarian treats patrons right
Muncie Star Press: Library teen group collecting for seniors
Northwest Indiana Times: Gary library to introduce new director
Northwest Indiana Times: Author makes reading fun
South Bend Tribune: Facebook may return to M-P-H libraries
Terre Haute Tribune Star: Second library branch closes: Library opened branch at Plaza North in 1967
WTHR – TV (Indy): Jobless lean on libraries for Internet

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Events

Events, Research and Reports

Spread the Word About National Library Week

Events, Friday Facts, Resources

April is Autism Awareness Month

Events, Resources

New Website Program Free for Public Libraries

Events, Friday Facts, Resources

March is Red Cross Month

Events, Resources

Feedback Sought for Free Power Meters at Libraries